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SQL Server backup/restore v.s. detach/attach
Is there any difference in backing up a SQL Server database using .bak file or detaching the file?
We can restore both. Attaching/Detaching the files may be better as I need to copy only mdf file.
You can backup the database online, but detach/attach require to stop working with database for users.
Add: Here are many reasons to use backup vs detach