Oracle Backup & Recovery — Identifying Files That Contain User and System Data In Oracle Database administration, which backup-and-recovery file type actually stores persistent user and system data (that is, the table and index segments that make up the database)?

Introduction:
Oracle Database separates physical files by responsibility to improve performance, recoverability, and manageability. Knowing which file actually holds the persistent contents of tables, indexes, and other segments is essential for backup and recovery planning. This question focuses on distinguishing datafiles from control files and redo logs in a clear, exam-ready manner.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Oracle database instance uses distinct file types: datafiles, control files, and redo log files (online and archived).
• Backups may capture these files in different ways (RMAN, user-managed).
• We are asked to identify which file physically stores user and system data segments.

Concept / Approach:
Datafiles are the physical containers that store database blocks for segments such as tables, indexes, materialized views, and LOBs. Control files store critical metadata (database structure, checkpoints, SCNs, and archived log history). Redo log files (online and archived) store change records used for media recovery and instance recovery; they do not store the data segments themselves. Therefore, the file that contains user and system data is the datafile.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) List file roles: datafiles = segments; control files = metadata; redo = change records.2) Map the question phrase “contains user and system data” to the file holding table and index blocks.3) Conclude that this is the datafile.

Verification / Alternative check:
RMAN backups of datafiles are required to restore tablespaces and objects. During recovery, redo is applied to datafiles to roll forward changes; this dependency confirms where the actual data resides.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Control file: Stores structural metadata, not table/index blocks.
• Online/archived redo logs: Store change vectors for recovery, not persistent segment data.
• Password file: Governs SYSDBA authentication, unrelated to segment storage.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing redo logs (which are essential for recovery) with the primary storage of table data. Redo replays changes; it does not hold base segment pages.

Final Answer:
Datafile