Search notes:

RMAN: recovery catalog

RMAN uses the recovery catalog to store metadata about databases needed for backups, restores and recoveries of databaes, such as
The recovery catalog is only a copy of this information. The authorative data for RMAN repository is kept in a database's control file.
If the control file is lost, the recovery catalog can step in to provide the necessary data that is required to restore and recover a database.
Additionally, the recovery catalog also stores records of archival backups and RMAN stored scripts that are used in conjuction with the target database.
The data in the recovery catalog is stored in ordinary tables and view. (In fact, it is stored in its own schema)
Using the recovery catalog is optional, however Oracle recommends it.

RMAN: Connecting to a target database with / without using a recovery catalog

$ rman target / catalog me@rcat
$ rman target / nocatalog

See also

RMAN

Index