What is an LDF file?

Question

A file with . ldf extension is a log file maintained by Microsoft SQL Server which is a relational database management system (RDBMS). All the transactions performed on primary database files (MDF)(such as insertion, update, deletion) are recorded in the LDF file. LDF files are critical components of any database.

What is the purpose of LDF?

A log file or LDF(Log Database File) is a database file of Microsoft SQL Server, which stores all the transaction logs/events, which executes on the database. The main purpose of using log file in SQL Server is to rollback the database in case of data loss. Log file uses the same filename as its associated MDF file.

Can I remove LDF file?

You should not delete any of the database files since it can severely damage your database! If you run out of disk space you might want to split your database in multiple parts.

How do I open a LDF file?

To read SQL Server LDF file, the fn_dblog function is used while the fn_dump_dblog function is used for native compressed backups. To view SQL LDF file, user can download SQL LDF File viewer through which user will be able to view this file with all the database transaction related information.

What is the difference between a MDF and LDF file?

MDF stands for Main Database File and contains all the information in a database. LDF records all the transactions and changes to the database.

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