Hi,

I will explain How to Use CONTENT ( DATA_ONLY , METADATA_ONLY ) Parameter in Oracle Datapump in this post.

 

Expdp Content ( DATA_ONLY , METADATA_ONLY )

You can read the following post to learn more detail about Oracle Datapump.

Oracle Data Pump – Export Import ( Expdp Impdp ) Tutorial with Examples-4

 

How to Use TABLE_EXISTS_ACTION During IMPDP in Oracle Datapump

 

 

 

 

CONTENT: This parameter enables you to filter what is export and import during the export – import operation.

CONTENT={ALL | DATA_ONLY | METADATA_ONLY}

• ALL This is the default value and loads all data and metadata contained in the source.
• DATA_ONLY  You can load only table row data into existing tables without any metadata with this option.
• METADATA_ONLY You can load only database object metadata ( definition ) without table row data.

 

 

For example: you run the following import command, If you don’t use CONTENT parameter or use CONTENT=ALL,  then Oracle will load all data and metadata contained in the source.

 

the new table = New data and new Metadata 

impdp \"/ as sysdba\" SCHEMAS=HR DIRECTORY=DATAPUMP LOGFILE=HR.log

impdp \"/ as sysdba\" SCHEMAS=HR DIRECTORY=DATAPUMP LOGFILE=HR.log CONTENT=ALL

 

 

 

CONTENT=DATA_ONLY

If you use CONTENT=DATA_ONLY option, then Oracle will load only table row data into existing tables without any metadata with this option.

the new table= Old Metadata + New data 

impdp \"/ as sysdba\" SCHEMAS=HR DIRECTORY=DATAPUMP LOGFILE=HR.log CONTENT=DATA_ONLY  

 

 

CONTENT=METADATA_ONLY

If you use CONTENT=METADATA_ONLY , then Oracle will load only database object metadata ( definition ) without table row data.

 

 

the new table= Only New metadata 

impdp \"/ as sysdba\" SCHEMAS=HR DIRECTORY=DATAPUMP LOGFILE=HR.log CONTENT=METADATA_ONLY

 

 

 

 

Do you want to learn more details about RMAN, then read the following articles.

RMAN Tutorial | Backup, Restore and Recovery Tutorials For Beginner Oracle DBA