recovery log

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recovery log A file created to permit database recovery (or file recovery). The log contains information about all changes made to a database or file since it was last established as being correct and a backup copy was last taken. The form in which changes may be recorded in a recovery log may vary considerably, depending on the recovery algorithms to be used. In general, a recovery log may be used in one of two ways: (a) to redo all changes since the last backup (if the database or file has been corrupted); (b) to undo all incorrect changes (if the source of error is in the changes). See also log file.

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