In what scenario is it ideal to use a differential backup instead of an incremental backup?

Using a differential backup is particularly ideal when quick complete data restoration is required. This method captures all changes made since the last full backup, which means that when restoring data, only the last full backup and the most recent differential backup are needed. This process is generally faster than using incremental backups, where a restore operation requires the last full backup and all subsequent incremental backups.

For quick recovery, the key advantage of differential backups is that they reduce the number of backup sets that need to be processed during restoration. Since the differential backup accumulates all changes since the last full backup, it streamlines the recovery process, allowing for a more efficient and expedient return to operational status. In scenarios where time is a critical factor, such as system failures or data loss incidents, the differential backup method enhances recovery speed and minimizes downtime.

The other options do not align as well with the strengths of the differential backup. For instance, limited storage space is more effectively addressed by incremental backups, which only require storage for the most recent changes. Regular testing capabilities do not specifically favor either method, and lengthy recovery times are not characteristic of differential backups; rather, they are more of a concern in other backup strategies. Thus, the alignment of differential backups with the requirement for rapid restoration