The
following methods are valid for backing – up an Oracle database
Export / Import – Exports are "logical" database backups in that they
extract logical definitions and data from the database to a file.
Cold or Offline Backups – Shutdown the database and backup up all data, log and
control files
Hot or Online Backups – If the databases are available and in ARCHIVELOG mode,
set the tablespaces into backup mode and backup their files
Also
remember to back up the control files and archived redo log files.
RMAN Backups – While the database is Offline or Online use "RMAN"
utility to back up database
Oracle DataPump - ExpDp
It
is advisable to use more than one of these methods to backup your database.
For
example, if you choose to do Online database backups; also cover yourself by
doing database exports.
Also
test all backup and recovery scenarios carefully. It is better to be safe than
sorry.
Regardless of your strategy, also remember to backup all required software libraries, parameter files, password files etc.
If
your database is in ARCHIVELOG mode, you also need to backup archived log
files.