checkpoint command and backup log

This is maybe a dumb question but I couldn't find a definitive answer
on BOL.

Looking at my backup script. If I issue a CHECKPOINT, does this truly
force all transaction log entries to the data file? Therefore, making
it unnecessary to BACKUP log (just BACKUP database is needed).

LouisLouis (louisducnguyen@.gmail.com) writes:
> This is maybe a dumb question but I couldn't find a definitive answer
> on BOL.
> Looking at my backup script. If I issue a CHECKPOINT, does this truly
> force all transaction log entries to the data file? Therefore, making
> it unnecessary to BACKUP log (just BACKUP database is needed).

The answer to your actual question may be yes, but the answer to the
implicit question about BACKUP log to be unnecessary is no.

Either you are running your database in simple recovery mode, in which
case you don't have to backup the log anyway.

Or you are running your database in full or hulk-logged mode, in which
case you must backup the log, or else the log till continue to grow. And
if you want up-to-the-point recovery, you want the transaction log.

--
Erland Sommarskog, SQL Server MVP, esquel@.sommarskog.se

Books Online for SQL Server SP3 at
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/techin.../2000/books.asp