Which backup method usually involves creating multiple file versions over time?

The method that typically involves creating multiple file versions over time is incremental backup. This approach focuses on saving only the changes made to data since the last backup of any type, whether it was a full backup or a previous incremental backup. As a result, over time, incremental backups can generate a series of backups that capture various versions of files, allowing for a more granular recovery option.

Incremental backups are efficient because they minimize the amount of data that needs to be backed up at any given time, which can significantly reduce backup windows and storage consumption. This is particularly advantageous in environments where data changes frequently.

In contrast, a full backup captures all data at a specific point in time but does not inherently create multiple versions of files over time. Differential backups store changes made since the last full backup, also not creating numerous distinct versions. Lastly, mirroring is focused on creating an exact copy of data, rather than preserving multiple historical states. Thus, incremental backups are uniquely positioned to manage file versions effectively.