The Transaction Log
SQL Server uses the transaction log to record every change that is made to the database. In the case of a system crash, you use the transaction log, along with the most recent backup file, to restore the system to the most recent data available. The transaction log supports the recovery of individual transactions, the recovery of all incomplete transactions when SQL Server is once again started, and the rolling back of a restored database, file, filegroup, or page forward to the point of failure. Specifying information about the transaction log is similar to doing so for a database. Follow these steps:
- While creating a new database, you can also enter information about the log file. To begin, enter a logical name for the database. I recommend you use the logical name of the database along with the suffix _log.
- Specify the initial size of the log file.
- Indicate how you want the log file to grow.
- Designate the path within which you want to store the database.
- Continue the process of creating the database file.