In modern Oracle Database, what is a common way to recover a recently dropped table if the recycle bin feature is enabled?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on Oracle recovery features for accidentally dropped tables. Starting from Oracle 10g, the database introduced a recycle bin and flashback technology that allows you to restore dropped tables easily if certain conditions are met. Understanding how to use FLASHBACK TABLE is an important skill for DBAs and developers who may need to reverse accidental DDL operations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The Oracle recycle bin feature is enabled for the user or tablespace.
- A table was dropped recently and has not been purged yet.
- We want a logical, easy recovery method rather than a full backup and restore.

Concept / Approach:
When recycle bin is enabled, Oracle does not immediately remove dropped tables from physical storage. Instead, it renames them to a system generated name and stores them in the recycle bin. The FLASHBACK TABLE table_name TO BEFORE DROP command can restore the dropped table to its original name, including its data and dependent objects such as indexes, if they are still in the recycle bin. This method is much faster than performing a full database recovery.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that FLASHBACK TABLE is a special command in Oracle used for flashback operations on tables. Step 2: Remember the syntax for recovering a dropped table: FLASHBACK TABLE table_name TO BEFORE DROP. Step 3: Review option A and confirm that it states exactly this syntax and purpose. Step 4: Option B refers to ALTER TABLE ADD COLUMN, which adds a column but does not recover a dropped table or its data. Step 5: Option C suggests creating a table from dual, which only creates a new empty structure rather than restoring the original data. Step 6: Option D uses DROP TABLE again and cannot undo the previous drop; instead it would remove the table if it still existed.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, you can create a test table, insert some rows, and then drop it. After that, run SELECT * FROM USER_RECYCLEBIN to see the dropped table in the recycle bin. Finally, issue FLASHBACK TABLE test_table TO BEFORE DROP and check that the table and its rows are restored. This confirms the behavior described in option A.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B changes the structure of an existing table but cannot recover one that has been dropped. Option C creates a new table but does not recover historical data. Option D is simply another drop operation and does not restore anything. None of these match the concept of recycling and flashback recovery.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is assuming that FLASHBACK TABLE always works, even when the recycle bin is disabled or when the table has been purged. In such cases, you may need to use backup based recovery instead. Another pitfall is not understanding that flashback operations may have implications for dependent objects such as constraints and triggers, which should also be reviewed after recovery.

Final Answer:
The common way to recover a dropped table is to use FLASHBACK TABLE table_name TO BEFORE DROP, which restores the table from the recycle bin.