Whats the exact use of .ldf files?

[anilkutty]

Whats the exact use of .ldf files? If we have the back up
of .mdf file, we ca attach it any time, so why do we need
the log files?

Also which option to choose for recovery?
Full, Simple or Bulk-Logged, in SQL Server 2000

 

[JayKusch]

The LDF file is your log file. if you do a detach of the DB and then re-attach it, it will use the LDF that is there. If you detach the DB, and delete the associated LDF, re-attaching the DB will then create a new "EMPTY" LDF. if you have backed up your database before the detach, there is no problem on deleting the LDF.
Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[tlbroadbent]

The recovery model you choose will depend on the frequency of updates, how critical your data is, whether you require point-in-time recovery, etc. There is no single correct choice. You need to read about the recovery models and learn about disaster planning, backup and restore, etc.

Check out faq183-1784 - "How Do I Develop a Backup and Restore Strategy?" for more info and some helpful links.
Terry L. Broadbent - DBA
Computing Links:

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm

faq183-874 contains "Suggestions for Getting Quick and Appropriate Answers" to your questions.

 

[anilkutty]

Thanks a lot this was helpful