Incremental backup is a data backup strategy used in computer systems and data management to efficiently store and retrieve copies of data while minimizing the amount of data that needs to be backed up on each occasion.

In an incremental backup system, the initial backup, often referred to as a full backup, copies all the selected data to the backup destination. After this initial backup, subsequent backups only store the data that has changed or been added since the last backup. This approach reduces the amount of data transferred and stored during each backup operation, saving both time and storage space.

Here's how incremental backup works:

1. Full Backup: Initially, a complete copy of all the selected data is created and stored in the backup destination. This serves as the baseline or reference point for all future backups.

2. Incremental Backups: In subsequent backup operations, only the data that has been modified, created, or deleted since the last backup is copied to the backup location. These incremental backups are typically smaller and faster than full backups.

3. Restore Process: To restore data, you need to first restore the full backup. Then, you apply each incremental backup in chronological order, replaying the changes to reach the desired point in time.

Incremental backups have several advantages:

• Efficiency: They consume less time and storage space compared to full backups because they only capture changes.
•  Faster Backups: Since only the modified data is backed up, the process is quicker. - 
• Reduced Bandwidth: Smaller backup sizes mean less data needs to be transferred over networks.

However, there are some considerations with incremental backups. If you need to restore data, you must restore the full backup and all subsequent incremental backups, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, if any incremental backup is lost or corrupted, it can affect the entire restore process.

Despite these considerations, incremental backup is a widely used and efficient method for regularly backing up data while minimizing resource usage and backup times. It strikes a balance between data protection and resource efficiency, making it a valuable tool in data management and disaster recovery strategies.