Oracle 19c: PDB‑to‑PDB Clone & Refresh Using Database Links (SE2)
A Practical Way to Refresh DEV and TEST from PROD Refreshing DEV or TEST databases from PROD is something every DBA does regularly. Traditionally, this meant using RMAN duplicate or Data Pump. Both approaches work, but they take time, consume storage, and often feel heavier than the problem itself. From Oracle 12.2 onwards, a better option exists. Refreshable PDB allows you to clone one PDB into another using a database link and keep it updated using redo. This feature is fully supported in Oracle 19c Standard Edition 2. In this post, I walk through PDB to PDB cloning and refresh, along with the mistakes that usually cost the most time. Why Use Refreshable PDB Refreshable PDB changes how you think about cloning. Instead of rebuilding environments repeatedly, you create once and refresh when needed. It gives you Faster refresh compared to RMAN or Data Pump No export or import cycle Minimal impact on production Ideal for DEV, TEST, QA, and reporting Works even in Oracle 19c Standard ...