What type of backup is performed after the initial full backup and captures only changes made since the last incremental backup?

The type of backup that is performed after the initial full backup and captures only the changes made since the last incremental backup is known as an incremental backup. During this process, only the data that has changed since the last incremental backup is saved. This method is efficient in terms of time and storage space because it minimizes the amount of data backed up at each stage, resulting in faster backup operations and reduced resource utilization.

Incremental backups rely on the previous backups to restore the data; thus, to restore the entire dataset, the original full backup and all subsequent incremental backups are needed. This strategy allows for quicker recovery because only the recent changes need to be processed, making it an optimal choice for many backup strategies in a dynamic environment.

In contrast, a differential backup captures all changes made since the last full backup, which can require more storage over time as it accumulates changes, and a full backup involves backing up all data anew each time. Snapshot backups are distinct in that they capture the current state of the system or data at a specific point in time rather than incrementally accumulating changes. Understanding the distinctions between these types of backups is crucial for effective data management and recovery strategies.