Using the data dictionary to automate construction of backup and recovery scripts

The first action that most responsible DBAs undertake after creating their database is to develop and implement procedures for regular database backups. In the event that some type of failure damages the database, the DBA will have the necessary information to restore normal operations and recover most or all of the data that was lost. As changes are made to the database structure -- addition of tablespaces and datafiles, movement of datafiles from one disk to another, etc. -- the backup routines must be modified accordingly. While manually keeping the backup synchronized with changes in database structure is acceptable for relatively small and static databases, use of automation to guarantee accuracy becomes desirable as the database becomes larger and modifications more frequent. Furthermore, how many DBAs are thoroughly prepared to USE their backups, should recovery be necessary? Recovery occurs infrequently, and the steps needed to implement recovery vary greatly, depending on the type of backup information available, the type of damage that occurred, and the expertise of the DBA. That expertise can be greatly enhanced by preparation, and such preparation can also serve to institutionalize that knowledge, in the event the DBA is unavailable when a failure occurs