PROMOTIONAL LOGIC DURING DATABASE DIFFERENTIAL BACKUP

Techniques to back up data are disclosed. In various embodiments, an indication to perform a differential backup of a database is received. It is verified that a full backup to be referenced by the differential backup is available on backup media. It is determined that no intervening backup was performed subsequent to the full backup that would create a risk of data loss in the event a recovery operation based on the differential backup were performed, including by ignoring any intervening backup that may have been performed but is of a type that would not give rise to such a risk of data loss. The differential backup is performed, without promoting to full backup, based on least in part on said determination.