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Release: Australia · Updated: 2026-03-12 · Official documentation · View source

Clone terminology

A reference topic that contains various terms and definitions for cloning.

TermDescription
Source InstanceThe original database where data is copied from.
Target InstanceThe new location where the data is copied to.
Data PreserversSpecified data from the target instance that is retained on the target instance during the clone. Preservers are defined on the source instance.
Table ExclusionsData that is not cloned to your target instance.
Cleanup ScriptsAutomated steps that run after cloning, such as changing data or settings.
Clone ProfilesReusable template for clone settings, exclusions, preservers, and scripts.
Clone Admin ConsoleThe Clone Admin Console is the default user interface that enables you to manage and track the cloning process.
On-Demand BackupWith on-demand backup enabled, clone takes a fresh on-demand differential backup at the specified clone start time. Clone uses this backup during the restore phase of the clone.
Clone ChainingYou can divide your clone operation into 2 steps. 1. Cloning from production to your test \(non-production\) environment. 2. Cloning from test to all your other environments. You can save time if you're dealing with multiple instances and experience long clone durations. Using this strategy, you perform lengthy operations such as post-clone cleanup scripts or excluding Task data older than 90 days only once. The clones in step 2 have a lighter footprint and complete faster.

Parent Topic:Instance Clone reference