You can load the database catalog and/or application data of a database instance or parts of the database catalog or application data using the Loader. You can import the data stream required to do this from various media. You can also use a tape as a medium. This is addressed using an external backup tool (see Loading with External Backup Tools).
Data unloaded with the Loader is not suitable for a restore of a database instance, as the consistency of the data is not ensured. Loading data cannot therefore replace a restore from a data backup.