Oracle exports are "logical" database backups (not physical) as they extract data and logical definitions from the database into a file. Other backup strategies normally back-up the physical data files.

One of the ADVANTAGES of exports is that one can selectively re-import TABLES, however one cannot roll-forward from an RESTORED EXPORT file. To completely restore a database from an export file one practically needs to recreate the entire database. Always do full system level exports (FULL=YES). Full exports include more information about the database in the export file than user level exports.

Oracle exports are "logical" database backups (not physical) as they extract data and logical definitions from the database into a file. Other backup strategies normally back-up the physical data files.

One of the advantages of exports is that one can selectively re-import tables, however one cannot roll-forward from an restored export file. To completely restore a database from an export file one practically needs to recreate the entire database. Always do full system level exports (FULL=YES). Full exports include more information about the database in the export file than user level exports.