How to Export Full Database in Oracle 11g Using EXPDP

Introduction to Oracle Data Pump (EXPDP)

Oracle Data Pump's EXPDP command is a server-based utility used to unload an entire Oracle 11g database into a dump file set. This method is faster and more flexible than the older EXP command.

Prerequisites

Before exporting, ensure the COMPATIBLE initialization parameter is set to at least 11.0.0 and the user performing the export has the DATAPUMP_EXP_FULL_DATABASE role with the necessary READ and WRITE privileges on the directory object.

Creating a Directory Object

First, create a directory object pointing to a physical directory on the server where the dump file will be stored, using the SQL command: CREATE DIRECTORY dmpdir AS '/path_to_directory';

Granting Privileges

Grant the necessary privileges to the user performing the export: GRANT READ, WRITE ON DIRECTORY dmpdir TO hr;

Using EXPDP for Full Database Export

Run the EXPDP command from the command line to start the full database export: expdp system/password FULL=Y DIRECTORY=dmpdir DUMPFILE=full_db.dmp LOGFILE=export_full.log;

Monitoring the Export Process

During the export, the Data Pump's interactive-command interface allows you to monitor the process and obtain status updates. Use commands like STATUS and KILL_JOB within the interactive mode for control.

Post-Export Considerations

After the export is complete, the dump file set can be imported into the same or a different Oracle database using the IMPDP command. Be aware that the dump file set contains both data and metadata of the database objects.

Encryption of Exported Data

If sensitive data needs protection, use the ENCRYPTION parameter to encrypt data before writing it to the dump file. For example, ENCRYPTION=ALL will encrypt all data in the dump file set.

Managing Export Files

The resulting dump file set, which includes table data, database object metadata, and control information, should be managed securely, especially when transferring between systems or environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the command to perform a full database export using Data Pump in Oracle 11g?

The command to perform a full database export is 'expdp' with the 'FULL=Y' option to specify a full database export.

Are all schemas included in the full database export using Data Pump?

Yes, all of the public schemas and public things are included when using the 'FULL=Y' option, although the SYSTEM schema should be excluded.

How can I create a dump file of the full database using expdp?

You can create a dump file by running the 'expdp' command with the necessary parameters such as 'FULL=Y' to indicate a full database export, and specifying a directory object and dump file name.

Can Data Pump expdp export the SYS and SYSMAN schemas?

Yes, the dump file created by 'expdp' includes SYS, SYSMAN, and other schemas, but it is common practice to exclude certain schemas like SYSTEM for consistency and security reasons.

Is it recommended to use Data Pump for exporting and importing over the older exp/imp utilities?

Yes, Data Pump is recommended over the older exp/imp utilities because it is faster, more flexible, has better filtering options, and is generally more configurable.

Common Use Cases

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  Migrating an Oracle 11g database to a new server
• 
  Creating a backup of an Oracle 11g database for disaster recovery purposes
• 
  Cloning an existing Oracle 11g database for testing or development environments
• 
  Archiving data from an Oracle 11g database for compliance with data retention policies
• 
  Transferring a subset of an Oracle 11g database to another Oracle database for consolidation or organizational restructuring

An Agile Alternative to Oracle 11g Export: Sourcetable

Seeking a streamlined solution to extract data from Oracle 11g? Sourcetable offers a real-time, intuitive approach. By eliminating traditional database export complexities, Sourcetable serves as a direct conduit to your Oracle data.

With Sourcetable, the need for expdp command line expertise fades. Its user-friendly, spreadsheet-like interface invites you to query and manipulate data with ease, catering to a broad range of user skills.

Embrace the efficiency of Sourcetable to rapidly access and modify your Oracle database content. This platform transforms data management into a seamless, less technical, and more accessible task for all users.