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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between ORACLE Export (exp) and Datapump (expdp)?

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The main differences between ORACLE Export (exp) and Datapump (expdp) are as follows:

  1. Dump File Format: Exports (exp/imp) represent database metadata information as DDLs in the dump file, while in datapump, it represents in XML document format.
  2. Parallel Execution: Datapump has parallel execution, whereas exp/imp has single stream execution.
  3. Media Support: Datapump does not support sequential media like tapes, but traditional export supports it.
  4. File Operation: Datapump operates on a group of files called dump file sets, while normal export operates on a single file.
  5. File Access: Datapump accesses files in the server (using ORACLE directories), while traditional export can access files in both client and server (not using ORACLE directories).
  6. Performance: Datapump provides a 15-50% performance improvement over exp/imp.
  7. Resumability: Datapump jobs are resumable if terminated, while exp/imp jobs are not.
  8. API Support: Datapump has application programming interfaces (APIs) like 'DBMSDATAPUMP' and 'DBMSMETADATA', which allow for customized use of datapump operations according to specific needs.

In summary, Datapump (expdp) is an enhancement over traditional export (exp) and provides better performance, parallel execution, and more advanced features like resumability and API support.

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  • What is the Difference Between ORACLE Export (exp) and Datapump (expdp)?
  • Comparative Table: ORACLE Export (exp) vs Datapump (expdp)

    • Comparative Table: ORACLE Export (exp) vs Datapump (expdp)

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Oracle Export (exp) and Data Pump (expdp):

    Feature Oracle Export (exp) Oracle Data Pump (expdp)
    Purpose Transferring data objects between Oracle databases Transferring data objects between Oracle databases
    Mode of Execution Single stream execution Parallel execution
    File Access Can access files in client and server (not using ORACLE directories) Accesses files in the server (using ORACLE directories)
    Metadata Representation Database metadata information represented as DDLs in the dump file Database metadata information represented in XML document format
    Support for Sequential Media Supports sequential media like tapes Does not support sequential media like tapes
    User Creation Requires DBA to create the user ID before importing Recreates the user automatically
    Job Control Cannot stop and restart jobs Can stop and restart jobs
    Job Estimation No job estimation feature Job estimation can be done
    Sample Parameter No sample parameter Supports the SAMPLE parameter for taking a sample of data
    Exclude/Include Parameters No such parameters Supports EXCLUDE and INCLUDE parameters for fine-grained object selection
    Data Remapping No data remapping feature Supports data remapping using REMAPDATA parameter
    Export and Import over Network Cannot perform export and import over the network using database links Can perform export and import over the network using database links

    In summary, Oracle Data Pump (expdp) offers several advantages over Oracle Export (exp), including parallel execution, file access in Oracle directories, XML-based metadata representation, job estimation, and the ability to stop and restart jobs, among other features.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.