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# 11 Using Oracle-Managed Files

This chapter discusses the use of the Oracle-managed files and contains the following topics:

- What Are Oracle-Managed Files?

- Enabling the Creation and Use of Oracle-Managed Files

- Creating Oracle-Managed Files

- Behavior of Oracle-Managed Files

- Scenarios for Using Oracle-Managed Files

## What Are Oracle-Managed Files?

Using Oracle-managed files simplifies the administration of an Oracle Database. Oracle-managed files eliminate the need for you, the DBA, to directly manage the operating system files comprising an Oracle Database. You specify operations in terms of database objects rather than filenames. The database internally uses standard file system interfaces to create and delete files as needed for the following database structures:

- Tablespaces

- Redo log files

- Control files

- Archived logs

- Block change tracking files

- Flashback logs

- RMAN backups

Through initialization parameters, you specify the file system directory to be used for a particular type of file. The database then ensures that a unique file, an Oracle-managed file, is created and deleted when no longer needed.

This feature does not affect the creation or naming of administrative files such as trace files, audit files, alert logs, and core files.

See Also: Chapter 12, "Using Automatic Storage Management" for information about the Oracle Database integrated storage management system that extends the power of Oracle-managed files. With Oracle-managed files, files are created and managed automatically for you, but with Automatic Storage Management you get the additional benefits of features such as file redundancy and striping, without the need to purchase a third-party logical volume manager.

### Who Can Use Oracle-Managed Files?

Oracle-managed files are most useful for the following types of databases:

- Databases that are supported by the following:

  - A logical volume manager that supports striping/RAID and dynamically extensible logical volumes

  - A file system that provides large, extensible files

- Low end or test databases

The Oracle-managed files feature is not intended to ease administration of systems that use raw disks. This feature provides better integration with operating system functionality for disk space allocation. Since there is no operating system support for allocation of raw disks (it is done manually), this feature cannot help. On the other hand, because Oracle-managed files require that you use the operating system file system (unlike raw disks), you lose control over how files are laid out on the disks and thus, you lose some I/O tuning ability.

#### What Is a Logical Volume Manager?

A logical volume manager (LVM) is a software package available with most operating systems. Sometimes it is called a logical disk manager (LDM). It allows pieces of multiple physical disks to be combined into a single contiguous address space that appears as one disk to higher layers of software. An LVM can make the logical volume have better capacity, performance, reliability, and availability characteristics than any of the underlying physical disks. It uses techniques such as mirroring, striping, concatenation, and RAID 5 to implement these characteristics.

Some LVMs allow the characteristics of a logical volume to be changed after it is created, even while it is in use. The volume may be resized or mirrored, or it may be relocated to different physical disks.

#### What Is a File System?

A file system is a data structure built inside a contiguous disk address space. A file manager (FM) is a software package that manipulates file systems, but it is sometimes called the file system. All operating systems have file managers. The primary task of a file manager is to allocate and deallocate disk space into files within a file system.

A file system allows the disk space to be allocated to a large number of files. Each file is made to appear as a contiguous address space to applications such as Oracle Database. The files may not actually be contiguous within the disk space of the file system. Files can be created, read, written, resized, and deleted. Each file has a name associated with it that is used to refer to the file.

A file system is commonly built on top of a logical volume constructed by an LVM. Thus all the files in a particular file system have the same performance, reliability, and availability characteristics inherited from the underlying logical volume. A file system is a single pool of storage that is shared by all the files in the file system. If a file system is out of space, then none of the files in that file system can grow. Space available in one file system does not affect space in another file system. However some LVM/FM combinations allow space to be added or removed from a file system.

An operating system can support multiple file systems. Multiple file systems are constructed to give different storage characteristics to different files as well as to divide the available disk space into pools that do not affect each other.

### Benefits of Using Oracle-Managed Files

Consider the following benefits of using Oracle-managed files:

- They make the administration of the database easier.

  There is no need to invent filenames and define specific storage requirements. A consistent set of rules is used to name all relevant files. The file system defines the characteristics of the storage and the pool where it is allocated.

- They reduce corruption caused by administrators specifying the wrong file.

  Each Oracle-managed file and filename is unique. Using the same file in two different databases is a common mistake that can cause very large down times and loss of committed transactions. Using two different names that refer to the same file is another mistake that causes major corruptions.

- They reduce wasted disk space consumed by obsolete files.

  Oracle Database automatically removes old Oracle-managed files when they are no longer needed. Much disk space is wasted in large systems simply because no one is sure if a particular file is still required. This also simplifies the administrative task of removing files that are no longer required on disk and prevents the mistake of deleting the wrong file.

- They simplify creation of test and development databases.

  You can minimize the time spent making decisions regarding file structure and naming, and you have fewer file management tasks. You can focus better on meeting the actual requirements of your test or development database.

- Oracle-managed files make development of portable third-party tools easier.

  Oracle-managed files eliminate the need to put operating system specific file names in SQL scripts.

### Oracle-Managed Files and Existing Functionality

Using Oracle-managed files does not eliminate any existing functionality. Existing databases are able to operate as they always have. New files can be created as managed files while old ones are administered in the old way. Thus, a database can have a mixture of Oracle-managed and unmanaged files.

## Enabling the Creation and Use of Oracle-Managed Files

The following initialization parameters allow the database server to use the Oracle-managed files feature:

Initialization Parameter | Description
--- | ---
`DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` | Defines the location of the default file system directory where the database creates datafiles or tempfiles when no file specification is given in the creation operation. Also used as the default file system directory for redo log and control files if `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_n` is not specified.
`DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_n` | Defines the location of the default file system directory for redo log files and control file creation when no file specification is given in the creation operation. You can use this initialization parameter multiple times, where n specifies a multiplexed copy of the redo log or control file. You can specify up to five multiplexed copies.
`DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` | Defines the location of the default file system directory where the database creates RMAN backups when no format option is used, archived logs when no other local destination is configured, and flashback logs. Also used as the default file system directory for redo log and control files if `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_n` is not specified.

The file system directory specified by either of these parameters must already exist: the database does not create it. The directory must also have permissions to allow the database to create the files in it.

The default location is used whenever a location is not explicitly specified for the operation creating the file. The database creates the filename, and a file thus created is an Oracle-managed file.

Both of these initialization parameters are dynamic, and can be set using the `ALTER SYSTEM` or `ALTER SESSION` statement.

See Also: Oracle Database Reference for additional information about initialization parameters "How Oracle-Managed Files Are Named"

### Setting the DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST Initialization Parameter

Include the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter in your initialization parameter file to identify the default location for the database server to create:

- Datafiles

- Tempfiles

- Redo log files

- Control files

- Block change tracking files

You specify the name of a file system directory that becomes the default location for the creation of the operating system files for these entities. The following example sets `/u01/oradata` as the default directory to use when creating Oracle-managed files:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'

### Setting the DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST Parameter

Include the `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE` parameters in your initialization parameter file to identify the default location in which Oracle Database should create:

- Redo log files

- Control files

- RMAN backups (datafile copies, control file copies, backup pieces, control file autobackups)

- Archived logs

- Flashback logs

You specify the name of file system directory that becomes the default location for creation of the operating system files for these entities. For example:

    DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST      = '/u01/oradata'
    DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE = 20G

### Setting the DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_n Initialization Parameter

Include the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameter in your initialization parameter file to identify the default location for the database server to create:

- Redo log files

- Control files

You specify the name of a file system directory that becomes the default location for the creation of the operating system files for these entities. You can specify up to five multiplexed locations.

For the creation of redo log files and control files only, this parameter overrides any default location specified in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` initialization parameters. If you do not specify a `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter, but you do specify the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` parameter, then only redo log files and control files can be created as Oracle-managed files.

It is recommended that you specify at least two parameters. For example:

    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1 = '/u02/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2 = '/u03/oradata'

This allows multiplexing, which provides greater fault-tolerance for the redo log and control file if one of the destinations fails.

## Creating Oracle-Managed Files

If you have met any of the following conditions, then Oracle Database creates Oracle-managed files for you, as appropriate, when no file specification is given in the creation operation:

- You have included any of the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`, `DB_REDOVERY_FILE_DEST`, or `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameters in your initialization parameter file.

- You have issued the `ALTER SYSTEM` statement to dynamically set any of `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`, `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`, or `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameters

- You have issued the `ALTER SESSION` statement to dynamically set any of the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`, `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`, or `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameters.

If a statement that creates an Oracle-managed file finds an error or does not complete due to some failure, then any Oracle-managed files created by the statement are automatically deleted as part of the recovery of the error or failure. However, because of the large number of potential errors that can occur with file systems and storage subsystems, there can be situations where you must manually remove the files using operating system commands. When an Oracle-managed file is created, its filename is written to the alert log. This information can be used to find the file if it is necessary to manually remove the file.

The following topics are discussed in this section:

- How Oracle-Managed Files Are Named

- Creating Oracle-Managed Files at Database Creation

- Creating Datafiles for Tablespaces Using Oracle-Managed Files

- Creating Tempfiles for Temporary Tablespaces Using Oracle-Managed Files

- Creating Control Files Using Oracle-Managed Files

- Creating Redo Log Files Using Oracle-Managed Files

- Creating Archived Logs Using Oracle-Managed Files

### How Oracle-Managed Files Are Named

The filenames of Oracle-managed files comply with the Optimal Flexible Architecture (OFA) standard for file naming. The assigned names are intended to meet the following requirements:

- Database files are easily distinguishable from all other files.

- Files of one database type are easily distinguishable from other database types.

- Files are clearly associated with important attributes specific to the file type. For example, a datafile name may include the tablespace name to allow for easy association of datafile to tablespace, or an archived log name may include the thread, sequence, and creation date.

No two Oracle-managed files are given the same name. The name that is used for creation of an Oracle-managed file is constructed from three sources:

- The default creation location

- A file name template that is chosen based on the type of the file. The template also depends on the operating system platform and whether or not automatic storage management is used.

- A unique string created by the Oracle Database server or the operating system. This ensures that file creation does not damage an existing file and that the file cannot be mistaken for some other file.

As a specific example, filenames for Oracle-managed files have the following format on a Solaris file system:

    <destination_prefix>/o1_mf_%t_%u_.dbf

where:

- <`destination_prefix`> is <`destination_location`>/<`db_unique_name`>/<`datafile`>

  where:

  - <`destination_location`> is the location specified in `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`

  - <`db_unique_name`> is the globally unique name (`DB_UNIQUE_NAME` initialization parameter) of the target database. If there is no `DB_UNIQUE_NAME` parameter, then the `DB_NAME` initialization parameter value is used.

- %t is the tablespace name.

- %u is an eight-character string that guarantees uniqueness

For example, assume the following parameter settings:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST   = /u01/oradata
    DB_UNIQUE_NAME = PAYROLL

Then an example datafile name would be:

    /u01/oradata/PAYROLL/datafile/o1_mf_tbs1_2ixh90q_.dbf

Names for other file types are similar. Names on other platforms are also similar, subject to the constraints of the naming rules of the platform.

The examples on the following pages use Oracle-managed file names as they might appear with a Solaris file system as an OMF destination.

Caution: Do not rename an Oracle-managed file. The database identifies an Oracle-managed file based on its name. If you rename the file, the database is no longer able to recognize it as an Oracle-managed file and will not manage the file accordingly.

### Creating Oracle-Managed Files at Database Creation

The behavior of the `CREATE DATABASE` statement for creating database structures when using Oracle-managed files is discussed in this section.

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `CREATE DATABASE` statement

#### Specifying Control Files at Database Creation

At database creation, the control file is created in the files specified by the `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter. If the `CONTROL_FILES` parameter is not set and at least one of the initialization parameters required for the creation of Oracle-managed files is set, then an Oracle-managed control file is created in the default control file destinations. In order of precedence, the default destination is defined as follows:

- One or more control files as specified in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameter. The file in the first directory is the primary control file. When `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` is specified, the database does not create a control file in `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` or in `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` (the flash recovery area).

- If no value is specified for `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n`, but values are set for both the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`, then the database creates one control file in each location. The location specified in `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is the primary control file.

- If a value is specified only for `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`, then the database creates one control file in that location.

- If a value is specified only for `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`, then the database creates one control file in that location.

If the `CONTROL_FILES` parameter is not set and none of these initialization parameters are set, then the Oracle Database default behavior is operating system dependent. At least one copy of a control file is created in an operating system dependent default location. Any copies of control files created in this fashion are not Oracle-managed files, and you must add a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter to any initialization parameter file.

If the database creates an Oracle-managed control file, and if there is a server parameter file, then the database creates a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter entry in the server parameter file. If there is no server parameter file, then you must manually include a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter entry in the text initialization parameter file.

See Also: Chapter 5, "Managing Control Files"

#### Specifying Redo Log Files at Database Creation

The `LOGFILE` clause is not required in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement, and omitting it provides a simple means of creating Oracle-managed redo log files. If the `LOGFILE` clause is omitted, then redo log files are created in the default redo log file destinations. In order of precedence, the default destination is defined as follows:

- If either the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` is set, then the database creates a log file member in each directory specified, up to the value of the `MAXLOGMEMBERS` initialization parameter.

- If the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` parameter is not set, but both the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` initialization parameters are set, then the database creates one Oracle-managed log file member in each of those locations. The log file in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` destination is the first member.

- If only the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is specified, then the database creates a log file member in that location.

- If only the `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is specified, then the database creates a log file member in that location.

The default size of an Oracle-managed redo log file is 100 MB.

Optionally, you can create Oracle-managed redo log files, and override default attributes, by including the `LOGFILE` clause but omitting a filename. Redo log files are created the same way, except for the following: If no filename is provided in the `LOGFILE` clause of `CREATE DATABASE`, and none of the initialization parameters required for creating Oracle-managed files are provided, then the `CREATE DATABASE` statement fails.

See Also: Chapter 6, "Managing the Redo Log"

#### Specifying the SYSTEM and SYSAUX Tablespace Datafiles at Database Creation

The `DATAFILE` or `SYSAUX` `DATAFILE` clause is not required in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement, and omitting it provides a simple means of creating Oracle-managed datafiles for the `SYSTEM` and `SYSAUX` tablespaces. If the `DATAFILE` clause is omitted, then one of the following actions occurs:

- If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is set, then one Oracle-managed datafile for the `SYSTEM` tablespace and another for the `SYSAUX` tablespace are created in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` directory.

- If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is not set, then the database creates one `SYSTEM,` and one `SYSAUX,` tablespace datafile whose name and size are operating system dependent. Any `SYSTEM` or `SYSAUX` tablespace datafile created in this manner is not an Oracle-managed file.

The default size for an Oracle-managed datafile is 100 MB and the file is autoextensible. When autoextension is required, the database extends the datafile by its existing size or 100 MB, whichever is smaller. You can also explicitly specify the autoextensible unit using the `NEXT` parameter of the `STORAGE` clause when you specify the datafile (in a `CREATE` or `ALTER TABLESPACE` operation).

Optionally, you can create an Oracle-managed datafile for the `SYSTEM` or `SYSAUX` tablespace and override default attributes. This is done by including the `DATAFILE` clause, omitting a filename, but specifying overriding attributes. When a filename is not supplied and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter is set, an Oracle-managed datafile for the `SYSTEM` or `SYSAUX` tablespace is created in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` directory with the specified attributes being overridden. However, if a filename is not supplied and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter is not set, then the `CREATE DATABASE` statement fails.

When overriding the default attributes of an Oracle-managed file, if a `SIZE` value is specified but no `AUTOEXTEND` clause is specified, then the datafile is not autoextensible.

#### Specifying the Undo Tablespace Datafile at Database Creation

The `DATAFILE` subclause of the `UNDO TABLESPACE` clause is optional and a filename is not required in the file specification. If a filename is not supplied and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter is set, then an Oracle-managed datafile is created in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` directory. If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is not set, then the statement fails with a syntax error.

The `UNDO TABLESPACE` clause itself is optional in the `CREATE DATABASE` statement. If it is not supplied, and automatic undo management mode is enabled, then a default undo tablespace named `SYS_UNDOTBS` is created and a 10 MB datafile that is autoextensible is allocated as follows:

- If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is set, then an Oracle-managed datafile is created in the indicated directory.

- If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is not set, then the datafile location is operating system specific.

  See Also: Chapter 10, "Managing the Undo Tablespace"

#### Specifying the Default Temporary Tablespace Tempfile at Database Creation

The `TEMPFILE` subclause is optional for the `DEFAULT TEMPORARY TABLESPACE` clause and a filename is not required in the file specification. If a filename is not supplied and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter set, then an Oracle-managed tempfile is created in the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` directory. If `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is not set, then the `CREATE DATABASE` statement fails with a syntax error.

The `DEFAULT TEMPORARY TABLESPACE` clause itself is optional. If it is not specified, then no default temporary tablespace is created.

The default size for an Oracle-managed tempfile is 100 MB and the file is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size.

#### CREATE DATABASE Statement Using Oracle-Managed Files: Examples

This section contains examples of the `CREATE DATABASE` statement when using the Oracle-managed files feature.

CREATE DATABASE: Example 1 This example creates a database with the following Oracle-managed files:

- A `SYSTEM` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is 100 MB and autoextensible up to an unlimited size.

- A `SYSAUX` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is 100 MB and autoextensible up to an unlimited size. The tablespace is locally managed with automatic segment-space management.

- Two online log groups with two members of 100 MB each, one each in `/u02/oradata` and `/u03/oradata.`

- If automatic undo management mode is enabled, then an undo tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is 10 MB and autoextensible up to an unlimited size. An undo tablespace named `SYS_UNDOTBS` is created.

- If no `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter is specified, then two control files, one each in `/u02/oradata` and `/u03/oradata`. The control file in `/u02/oradata` is the primary control file.

The following parameter settings relating to Oracle-managed files, are included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1 = '/u02/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2 = '/u03/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> CREATE DATABASE sample;

CREATE DATABASE: Example 2 This example creates a database with the following Oracle-managed files:

- A 100 MB `SYSTEM` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is autoextensible up to an unlimited size.

- A `SYSAUX` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is 100 MB and autoextensible up to an unlimited size. The tablespace is locally managed with automatic segment-space management.

- Two redo log files of 100 MB each in directory `/u01/oradata.` They are not multiplexed.

- An undo tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata` that is 10 MB and autoextensible up to an unlimited size. An undo tablespace named `SYS_UNDOTBS` is created.

- A control file in `/u01/oradata`.

In this example, it is assumed that:

- No `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameters are specified in the initialization parameter file.

- No `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter was specified in the initialization parameter file.

- Automatic undo management mode is enabled.

The following statements are issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata';
    SQL> CREATE DATABASE sample2;

This database configuration is not recommended for a production database. The example illustrates how a very low-end database or simple test database can easily be created. To better protect this database from failures, at least one more control file should be created and the redo log should be multiplexed.

CREATE DATABASE: Example 3 In this example, the file size for the Oracle-managed files for the default temporary tablespace and undo tablespace are specified. A database with the following Oracle-managed files is created:

- A 400 MB `SYSTEM` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata`. Because `SIZE` is specified, the file in not autoextensible.

- A 200 MB `SYSAUX` tablespace datafile in directory `/u01/oradata.` Because `SIZE` is specified, the file in not autoextensible. The tablespace is locally managed with automatic segment-space management.

- Two redo log groups with two members of 100 MB each, one each in directories `/u02/oradata` and `/u03/oradata.`

- For the default temporary tablespace `dflt_ts`, a 10 MB tempfile in directory `/u01/oradata`. Because `SIZE` is specified, the file in not autoextensible.

- For the undo tablespace `undo_ts`, a 10 MB datafile in directory `/u01/oradata`. Because `SIZE` is specified, the file in not autoextensible.

- If no `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter was specified, then two control files, one each in directories `/u02/oradata` and `/u03/oradata`. The control file in `/u02/oradata` is the primary control file.

The following parameter settings are included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1 = '/u02/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2 = '/u03/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> CREATE DATABASE sample3 DATAFILE SIZE 400M
    2>   SYSAUX DATAFILE SIZE 200M
    3>   DEFAULT TEMPORARY TABLESPACE dflt_ts TEMPFILE SIZE 10M
    4>   UNDO TABLESPACE undo_ts DATAFILE SIZE 10M;

### Creating Datafiles for Tablespaces Using Oracle-Managed Files

The following statements that can create datafiles are relevant to the discussion in this section:

- `CREATE` `TABLESPACE`

- `CREATE` `UNDO` `TABLESPACE`

- `ALTER` `TABLESPACE` ... `ADD` `DATAFILE`

When creating a tablespace, either a regular tablespace or an undo tablespace, the `DATAFILE` clause is optional. When you include the `DATAFILE` clause the filename is optional. If the `DATAFILE` clause or filename is not provided, then the following rules apply:

- If the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is specified, then an Oracle-managed datafile is created in the location specified by the parameter.

- If the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is not specified, then the statement creating the datafile fails.

When you add a datafile to a tablespace with the `ALTER TABLESPACE...ADD DATAFILE` statement the filename is optional. If the filename is not specified, then the same rules apply as discussed in the previous paragraph.

By default, an Oracle-managed datafile for a regular tablespace is 100 MB and is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size. However, if in your `DATAFILE` clause you override these defaults by specifying a `SIZE` value (and no `AUTOEXTEND` clause), then the datafile is not autoextensible.

See Also: "Specifying the SYSTEM and SYSAUX Tablespace Datafiles at Database Creation" "Specifying the Undo Tablespace Datafile at Database Creation" Chapter 8, "Managing Tablespaces"

#### CREATE TABLESPACE: Examples

The following are some examples of creating tablespaces with Oracle-managed files.

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `CREATE TABLESPACE` statement

CREATE TABLESPACE: Example 1 The following example sets the default location for datafile creations to `/u01/oradata` and then creates a tablespace `tbs_1` with a datafile in that location. The datafile is 100 MB and is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size.

    SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata';
    SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_1;

CREATE TABLESPACE: Example 2 This example creates a tablespace named `tbs_2` with a datafile in the directory `/u01/oradata`. The datafile initial size is 400 MB, and because the SIZE clause is specified, the datafile is not autoextensible.

The following parameter setting is included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_2 DATAFILE SIZE 400M;

CREATE TABLESPACE: Example 3 This example creates a tablespace named `tbs_3` with an autoextensible datafile in the directory `/u01/oradata` with a maximum size of 800 MB and an initial size of 100 MB:

The following parameter setting is included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_3 DATAFILE AUTOEXTEND ON MAXSIZE 800M;

CREATE TABLESPACE: Example 4 The following example sets the default location for datafile creations to `/u01/oradata` and then creates a tablespace named `tbs_4` in that directory with two datafiles. Both datafiles have an initial size of 200 MB, and because a `SIZE` value is specified, they are not autoextensible

    SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata';
    SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_4 DATAFILE SIZE 200M SIZE 200M;

#### CREATE UNDO TABLESPACE: Example

The following example creates an undo tablespace named `undotbs_1` with a datafile in the directory `/u01/oradata`. The datafile for the undo tablespace is 100 MB and is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size.

The following parameter setting is included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> CREATE UNDO TABLESPACE undotbs_1;

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `CREATE UNDO TABLESPACE` statement

#### ALTER TABLESPACE: Example

This example adds an Oracle-managed autoextensible datafile to the `tbs_1` tablespace. The datafile has an initial size of 100 MB and a maximum size of 800 MB.

The following parameter setting is included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'

The following statement is entered at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> ALTER TABLESPACE tbs_1 ADD DATAFILE AUTOEXTEND ON MAXSIZE 800M;

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `ALTER TABLESPACE` statement

### Creating Tempfiles for Temporary Tablespaces Using Oracle-Managed Files

The following statements that create tempfiles are relevant to the discussion in this section:

- `CREATE` `TEMPORARY` `TABLESPACE`

- `ALTER` `TABLESPACE` ... `ADD` `TEMPFILE`

When creating a temporary tablespace the `TEMPFILE` clause is optional. If you include the `TEMPFILE` clause, then the filename is optional. If the `TEMPFILE` clause or filename is not provided, then the following rules apply:

- If the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is specified, then an Oracle-managed tempfile is created in the location specified by the parameter.

- If the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is not specified, then the statement creating the tempfile fails.

When you add a tempfile to a tablespace with the `ALTER TABLESPACE...ADD TEMPFILE` statement the filename is optional. If the filename is not specified, then the same rules apply as discussed in the previous paragraph.

When overriding the default attributes of an Oracle-managed file, if a `SIZE` value is specified but no `AUTOEXTEND` clause is specified, then the datafile is not autoextensible.

See Also: "Specifying the Default Temporary Tablespace Tempfile at Database Creation"

#### CREATE TEMPORARY TABLESPACE: Example

The following example sets the default location for datafile creations to `/u01/oradata` and then creates a tablespace named `temptbs_1` with a tempfile in that location. The tempfile is 100 MB and is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size.

    SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata';
    SQL> CREATE TEMPORARY TABLESPACE temptbs_1;

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `CREATE TABLESPACE` statement

#### ALTER TABLESPACE... ADD TEMPFILE: Example

The following example sets the default location for datafile creations to `/u03/oradata` and then adds a tempfile in the default location to a tablespace named `temptbs_1`. The tempfile initial size is 100 MB. It is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size.

    SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u03/oradata';
    SQL> ALTER TABLESPACE TBS_1 ADD TEMPFILE;

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `ALTER TABLESPACE` statement

### Creating Control Files Using Oracle-Managed Files

When you issue the `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement, a control file is created (or reused, if `REUSE` is specified) in the files specified by the `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter. If the `CONTROL_FILES` parameter is not set, then the control file is created in the default control file destinations. The default destination is determined according to the precedence documented in "Specifying Control Files at Database Creation".

If Oracle Database creates an Oracle-managed control file, and there is a server parameter file, then the database creates a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter for the server parameter file. If there is no server parameter file, then you must create a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter manually and include it in the initialization parameter file.

If the datafiles in the database are Oracle-managed files, then the database-generated filenames for the files must be supplied in the `DATAFILE` clause of the statement.

If the redo log files are Oracle-managed files, then the `NORESETLOGS` or `RESETLOGS` keyword determines what can be supplied in the `LOGFILE` clause:

- If the `NORESETLOGS` keyword is used, then the database-generated filenames for the Oracle-managed redo log files must be supplied in the `LOGFILE` clause.

- If the `RESETLOGS` keyword is used, then the redo log file names can be supplied as with the `CREATE DATABASE` statement. See "Specifying Redo Log Files at Database Creation".

The sections that follow contain examples of using the `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement with Oracle-managed files.

See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement "Specifying Control Files at Database Creation"

#### CREATE CONTROLFILE Using NORESETLOGS Keyword: Example

The following `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement is generated by an `ALTER DATABASE BACKUP CONTROLFILE TO TRACE` statement for a database with Oracle-managed datafiles and redo log files:

    CREATE CONTROLFILE
         DATABASE sample
         LOGFILE
           GROUP 1 ('/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_1_o220rtt9_.log',
                    '/u02/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_1_v2o0b2i3_.log')
                     SIZE 100M,
           GROUP 2 ('/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_2_p22056iw_.log',
                    '/u02/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_2_p02rcyg3_.log')
                     SIZE 100M
         NORESETLOGS
         DATAFILE '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_system_xu34ybm2_.dbf'
                  SIZE 100M,
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sysaux_aawbmz51_.dbf'
                  SIZE 100M,
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sys_undotbs_apqbmz51_.dbf'
                  SIZE 100M
         MAXLOGFILES 5
         MAXLOGHISTORY 100
         MAXDATAFILES 10
         MAXINSTANCES 2
         ARCHIVELOG;

#### CREATE CONTROLFILE Using RESETLOGS Keyword: Example

The following is an example of a `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement with the `RESETLOGS` option. Some combination of `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`, `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`, and `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` or must be set.

    CREATE CONTROLFILE
         DATABASE sample
         RESETLOGS
         DATAFILE '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_system_aawbmz51_.dbf',
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sysaux_axybmz51_.dbf',
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sys_undotbs_azzbmz51_.dbf'
         SIZE 100M
         MAXLOGFILES 5
         MAXLOGHISTORY 100
         MAXDATAFILES 10
         MAXINSTANCES 2
         ARCHIVELOG;

Later, you must issue the `ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS` statement to re-create the redo log files. This is discussed in "Using the ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS Statement". If the previous log files are Oracle-managed files, then they are not deleted.

### Creating Redo Log Files Using Oracle-Managed Files

Redo log files are created at database creation time. They can also be created when you issue either of the following statements:

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `ADD` `LOGFILE`

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `OPEN` `RESETLOGS`

  See Also: Oracle Database SQL Reference for a description of the `ALTER DATABASE` statement

#### Using the ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE Statement

The `ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE` statement lets you later add a new group to your current redo log. The filename in the `ADD LOGFILE` clause is optional if you are using Oracle-managed files. If a filename is not provided, then a redo log file is created in the default log file destination. The default destination is determined according to the precedence documented in "Specifying Redo Log Files at Database Creation".

If a filename is not provided and you have not provided one of the initialization parameters required for creating Oracle-managed files, then the statement returns an error.

The default size for an Oracle-managed log file is 100 MB.

You continue to add and drop redo log file members by specifying complete filenames.

See Also: "Specifying Redo Log Files at Database Creation" "Creating Control Files Using Oracle-Managed Files"

Adding New Redo Log Files: Example The following example creates a log group with a member in `/u01/oradata` and another member in `/u02/oradata`. The size of each log file is 100 MB.

The following parameter settings are included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1 = '/u01/oradata'
    DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2 = '/u02/oradata'

The following statement is issued at the SQL prompt:

    SQL> ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE;

#### Using the ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS Statement

If you previously created a control file specifying `RESETLOGS` and either did not specify filenames or specified nonexistent filenames, then the database creates redo log files for you when you issue the `ALTER DATABASE OPEN RESETLOGS` statement. The rules for determining the directories in which to store redo log files, when none are specified in the control file, are the same as those discussed in "Specifying Redo Log Files at Database Creation".

### Creating Archived Logs Using Oracle-Managed Files

Archived logs are created in the `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` location when:

- The `ARC` or `LGWR` background process archives an online redo log or

- An `ALTER SYSTEM ARHIVE LOG CURRENT` statement is issued.

For example, assume that the following parameter settings are included in the initialization parameter file:

    DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE = 20G
    DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST      = '/u01/oradata'
    LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1         = 'LOCATION=USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST'

## Behavior of Oracle-Managed Files

The filenames of Oracle-managed files are accepted in SQL statements wherever a filename is used to identify an existing file. These filenames, like other filenames, are stored in the control file and, if using Recovery Manager (RMAN) for backup and recovery, in the RMAN catalog. They are visible in all of the usual fixed and dynamic performance views that are available for monitoring datafiles and tempfiles (for example, `V$DATAFILE` or `DBA_DATA_FILES`).

The following are some examples of statements using database-generated filenames:

    SQL> ALTER DATABASE
      2> RENAME FILE '/u01/oradata/mydb/datafile/o1_mf_tbs01_ziw3bopb_.dbf'
      3> TO '/u01/oradata/mydb/tbs0101.dbf';

    SQL> ALTER DATABASE
      2> DROP LOGFILE '/u01/oradata/mydb/onlinelog/o1_mf_1_wo94n2xi_.log';

    SQL> ALTER TABLE emp
      2> ALLOCATE EXTENT
      3> (DATAFILE '/u01/oradata/mydb/datafile/o1_mf_tbs1_2ixfh90q_.dbf');

You can backup and restore Oracle-managed datafiles, tempfiles, and control files as you would corresponding non Oracle-managed files. Using database-generated filenames does not impact the use of logical backup files such as export files. This is particularly important for tablespace point-in-time recovery (TSPITR) and transportable tablespace export files.

There are some cases where Oracle-managed files behave differently. These are discussed in the sections that follow.

### Dropping Datafiles and Tempfiles

Unlike files that are not managed by the database, when an Oracle-managed datafile or tempfile is dropped, the filename is removed from the control file and the file is automatically deleted from the file system. The statements that delete Oracle-managed files when they are dropped are:

- `DROP` `TABLESPACE`

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `TEMPFILE` ... `DROP`

You can also use these statements, which always delete files, Orace-managed or not:

- `ALTER` `TABLESPACE` ... `DROP` `DATAFILE`

- `ALTER` `TABLESPACE` ... `DROP` `TEMPFILE`

### Dropping Redo Log Files

When an Oracle-managed redo log file is dropped its Oracle-managed files are deleted. You specify the group or members to be dropped. The following statements drop and delete redo log files:

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `DROP` `LOGFILE`

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `DROP` `LOGFILE` `MEMBER`

### Renaming Files

The following statements are used to rename files:

- `ALTER` `DATABASE` `RENAME` `FILE`

- `ALTER` `TABLESPACE` ... `RENAME` `DATAFILE`

These statements do not actually rename the files on the operating system, but rather, the names in the control file are changed. If the old file is an Oracle-managed file and it exists, then it is deleted. You must specify each filename using the conventions for filenames on your operating system when you issue this statement.

### Managing Standby Databases

The datafiles, control files, and redo log files in a standby database can be managed by the database. This is independent of whether Oracle-managed files are used on the primary database.

When recovery of a standby database encounters redo for the creation of a datafile, if the datafile is an Oracle-managed file, then the recovery process creates an empty file in the local default file system location. This allows the redo for the new file to be applied immediately without any human intervention.

When recovery of a standby database encounters redo for the deletion of a tablespace, it deletes any Oracle-managed datafiles in the local file system. Note that this is independent of the `INCLUDING DATAFILES` option issued at the primary database.

## Scenarios for Using Oracle-Managed Files

This section further demonstrates the use of Oracle-managed files by presenting scenarios of their use.

### Scenario 1: Create and Manage a Database with Multiplexed Redo Logs

In this scenario, a DBA creates a database where the datafiles and redo log files are created in separate directories. The redo log files and control files are multiplexed. The database uses an undo tablespace, and has a default temporary tablespace. The following are tasks involved with creating and maintaining this database.

1. Setting the initialization parameters

   The DBA includes three generic file creation defaults in the initialization parameter file before creating the database. Automatic undo management mode is also specified.

       DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'
       DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1 = '/u02/oradata'
       DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2 = '/u03/oradata'
       UNDO_MANAGEMENT = AUTO

   The `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter sets the default file system directory for the datafiles and tempfiles.

   The `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1` and `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2` parameters set the default file system directories for redo log file and control file creation. Each redo log file and control file is multiplexed across the two directories.

2. Creating a database

   Once the initialization parameters are set, the database can be created by using this statement:

       SQL> CREATE DATABASE sample
       2>   DEFAULT TEMPORARY TABLESPACE dflttmp;

   Because a `DATAFILE` clause is not present and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is set, the `SYSTEM` tablespace datafile is created in the default file system (`/u01/oradata` in this scenario). The filename is uniquely generated by the database. The file is autoextensible with an initial size of 100 MB and an unlimited maximum size. The file is an Oracle-managed file. A similar datafile is created for the `SYSAUX` tablespace.

   Because a `LOGFILE` clause is not present, two redo log groups are created. Each log group has two members, with one member in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1` location and the other member in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2` location. The filenames are uniquely generated by the database. The log files are created with a size of 100 MB. The log file members are Oracle-managed files.

   Similarly, because the `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter is not present, and two `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_``n` initialization parameters are specified, two control files are created. The control file located in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1` location is the primary control file; the control file located in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2` location is a multiplexed copy. The filenames are uniquely generated by the database. They are Oracle-managed files. Assuming there is a server parameter file, a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter is generated.

   Automatic undo management mode is specified, but because an undo tablespace is not specified and the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter is set, a default undo tablespace named `SYS_UNDOTBS` is created in the directory specified by `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`. The datafile is a 10 MB datafile that is autoextensible. It is an Oracle-managed file.

   Lastly, a default temporary tablespace named `dflttmp` is specified. Because `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is included in the parameter file, the tempfile for `dflttmp` is created in the directory specified by that parameter. The tempfile is 100 MB and is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size. It is an Oracle-managed file.

   The resultant file tree, with generated filenames, is as follows:

       /u01
            /oradata
                 /SAMPLE
                      /datafile
                           /o1_mf_system_cmr7t30p_.dbf
                           /o1_mf_sysaux_cmr7t88p_.dbf
                           /o1_mf_sys_undotbs_2ixfh90q_.dbf
                           /o1_mf_dflttmp_157se6ff_.tmp
       /u02
            /oradata
                 /SAMPLE
                      /onlinelog
                           /o1_mf_1_0orrm31z_.log
                           /o1_mf_2_2xyz16am_.log
                      /controlfile
                           /o1_mf_cmr7t30p_.ctl
       /u03
            /oradata
                 /SAMPLE
                      /onlinelog
                           /o1_mf_1_ixfvm8w9_.log
                           /o1_mf_2_q89tmp28_.log
                      /controlfile
                           /o1_mf_x1sr8t36_.ctl

   The internally generated filenames can be seen when selecting from the usual views. For example:

       SQL> SELECT NAME FROM V$DATAFILE;

       NAME
       ----------------------------------------------------
       /u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_system_cmr7t30p_.dbf
       /u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sysaux_cmr7t88p_.dbf
       /u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sys_undotbs_2ixfh90q_.dbf

       3 rows selected

   The name is also printed to the alert log when the file is created.

3. Managing control files

   The control file was created when generating the database, and a `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter was added to the parameter file. If needed, then the DBA can re-create the control file or build a new one for the database using the `CREATE CONTROLFILE` statement.

   The correct Oracle-managed filenames must be used in the `DATAFILE` and `LOGFILE` clauses. The `ALTER DATABASE BACKUP CONTROLFILE TO TRACE` statement generates a script with the correct filenames. Alternatively, the filenames can be found by selecting from the `V$DATAFILE`, `V$TEMPFILE`, and `V$LOGFILE` views. The following example re-creates the control file for the sample database:

       CREATE CONTROLFILE REUSE
         DATABASE sample
         LOGFILE
           GROUP 1('/u02/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_1_0orrm31z_.log',
                   '/u03/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_1_ixfvm8w9_.log'),
           GROUP 2('/u02/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_2_2xyz16am_.log',
                   '/u03/oradata/SAMPLE/onlinelog/o1_mf_2_q89tmp28_.log')
         NORESETLOGS
         DATAFILE '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_system_cmr7t30p_.dbf',
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sysaux_cmr7t88p_.dbf',
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_sys_undotbs_2ixfh90q_.dbf',
                  '/u01/oradata/SAMPLE/datafile/o1_mf_dflttmp_157se6ff_.tmp'
         MAXLOGFILES 5
         MAXLOGHISTORY 100
         MAXDATAFILES 10
         MAXINSTANCES 2
         ARCHIVELOG;

   The control file created by this statement is located as specified by the `CONTROL_FILES` initialization parameter that was generated when the database was created. The `REUSE` clause causes any existing files to be overwritten.

4. Managing the redo log

   To create a new group of redo log files, the DBA can use the `ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE` statement. The following statement adds a log file with a member in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1` location and a member in the `DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_2` location. These files are Oracle-managed files.

       SQL> ALTER DATABASE ADD LOGFILE;

   Log file members continue to be added and dropped by specifying complete filenames.

   The `GROUP` clause can be used to drop a log group. In the following example the operating system file associated with each Oracle-managed log file member is automatically deleted.

       SQL> ALTER DATABASE DROP LOGFILE GROUP 3;

5. Managing tablespaces

   The default storage for all datafiles for future tablespace creations in the `sample` database is the location specified by the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter (`/u01/oradata` in this scenario). Any datafiles for which no filename is specified, are created in the file system specified by the initialization parameter `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`. For example:

       SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_1;

   The preceding statement creates a tablespace whose storage is in `/u01/oradata`. A datafile is created with an initial of 100 MB and it is autoextensible with an unlimited maximum size. The datafile is an Oracle-managed file.

   When the tablespace is dropped, the Oracle-managed files for the tablespace are automatically removed. The following statement drops the tablespace and all the Oracle-managed files used for its storage:

       SQL> DROP TABLESPACE tbs_1;

   Once the first datafile is full, the database does not automatically create a new datafile. More space can be added to the tablespace by adding another Oracle-managed datafile. The following statement adds another datafile in the location specified by `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST`:

       SQL> ALTER TABLESPACE tbs_1 ADD DATAFILE;

   The default file system can be changed by changing the initialization parameter. This does not change any existing datafiles. It only affects future creations. This can be done dynamically using the following statement:

       SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST='/u04/oradata';

6. Archiving redo information

   Archiving of redo log files is no different for Oracle-managed files, than it is for unmanaged files. A file system location for the archived log files can be specified using the `LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_``n` initialization parameters. The filenames are formed based on the `LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT` parameter or its default. The archived logs are not Oracle-managed files

7. Backup, restore, and recover

   Since an Oracle-managed file is compatible with standard operating system files, you can use operating system utilities to backup or restore Oracle-managed files. All existing methods for backing up, restoring, and recovering the database work for Oracle-managed files.

### Scenario 2: Create and Manage a Database with Database and Flash Recovery Areas

In this scenario, a DBA creates a database where the control files and redo log files are multiplexed. Archived logs and RMAN backups are created in the flash recovery area. The following tasks are involved in creating and maintaining this database:

1. Setting the initialization parameters

   The DBA includes the following generic file creation defaults:

       DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u01/oradata'
       DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST_SIZE = 10G
       DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST = '/u02/oradata'
       LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1 = 'LOCATION = USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST'

   The `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` parameter sets the default file system directory for datafiles, tempfiles, control files, and redo logs.

   The `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` parameter sets the default file system directory for control files, redo logs, and RMAN backups.

   The `LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST_1` configuration '`LOCATION=USE_DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST`' redirects archived logs to the `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` location.

   The `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` parameters set the default directory for log file and control file creation. Each redo log and control file is multiplexed across the two directories.

2. Creating a database

3. Managing control files

4. Managing the redo log

5. Managing tablespaces

   Tasks 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the same as in Scenario 1, except that the control files and redo logs are multiplexed across the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` and `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` locations.

6. Archiving redo log information

   Archiving online logs is no different for Oracle-managed files than it is for unmanaged files. The archived logs are created in `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` and are Oracle-managed files.

7. Backup, restore, and recover

   An Oracle-managed file is compatible with standard operating system files, so you can use operating system utilities to backup or restore Oracle-managed files. All existing methods for backing up, restoring, and recovering the database work for Oracle-managed files. When no format option is specified, all disk backups by RMAN are created in the `DB_RECOVERY_FILE_DEST` location. The backups are Oracle-managed files.

### Scenario 3: Adding Oracle-Managed Files to an Existing Database

Assume in this case that an existing database does not have any Oracle-managed files, but the DBA would like to create new tablespaces with Oracle-managed files and locate them in directory `/u03/oradata`.

1. Setting the initialization parameters

   To allow automatic datafile creation, set the `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` initialization parameter to the file system directory in which to create the datafiles. This can be done dynamically as follows:

       SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST = '/u03/oradata';

2. Creating tablespaces

   Once `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` is set, the `DATAFILE` clause can be omitted from a `CREATE TABLESPACE` statement. The datafile is created in the location specified by `DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST` by default. For example:

       SQL> CREATE TABLESPACE tbs_2;

   When the `tbs_2` tablespace is dropped, its datafiles are automatically deleted.