forum

home / developersection / forums / what are .mdf and .ldf files in sql database?

Ask Question
Steilla Mitchel

Student

I completed my post-graduation in 2013 in the engineering field. Engineering is the application of science and math to solve problems. Engineers figure out how things work and find practical uses for scientific discoveries. Scientists and inventors often get the credit for innovations that advance the human condition, but it is engineers who are instrumental in making those innovations available to the world. I love pet animals such as dogs, cats, etc.

Follow
Can you answer this question?
Answer

1 Answers

Aryan Kumar

Aryan Kumar

30-Aug-2023

.mdf and .ldf files are database files used by Microsoft SQL Server.

  • MDF file (Primary Data File): It stores all the data in a SQL Server database. This includes the tables, columns, rows, indexes, views, and stored procedures. The MDF file is typically the largest file in a SQL Server database.
  • LDF file (Log Database File): It stores the transaction log for a SQL Server database. The transaction log is a record of all the changes that are made to the database. It is used to recover the database in case of a failure or to restore the database to a previous point in time. The LDF file is typically much smaller than the MDF file, but it can grow quickly if there is a lot of activity on the database.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between .mdf and .ldf files:

Feature .mdf file .ldf file
Data stored All data in the database Transaction log
Size Typically larger Typically smaller
Purpose Stores the data in the database Stores the transaction log
Role in recovery Not used for recovery Used for recovery
MindStick Training
MindStick Training

Liked By

We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy