Transaction log

  • Dea All,

    My question is kinda of stupid. I would just like to find out if there is a difference between Transaction Log and  a Log File.If there's a difference what is the difference.

  • A log file is often a text file listing events that have occured and the like.

    The transaction log for a sQL database is a record of every transaction that has occured in that SQL database. They are essential when recovering a database and are the main way SQL ensures integrity and durability for data modifications.

    Transactions don't stay in the log long. they are removed either after a backup of the log, or after they become inactive, depending on the recovery mode of the database.

    Does that answer your question?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Yes and no. Gail pointed out one view point. But transaction log and log file are also used interchangably in SQL Server. The transaction log file is sometimes shortened to just calling it the tlog file or log file. Just like the Error Log file is sometimes called just the log file. It all depends on the context of how the term is being used.

    -SQLBill

  • A lot of the folks I've worked with often call the retained transaction log backup files 'log files'.  I admit I often do myself....

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