You can generate a parameter file to reproduce the current parameter configuration of your system at runtime. You can use this file to:
  • Easily modify the current configurations.
  • List all of the parameter settings whether they are specified or not.
  • Compare the parameter changes over time.
  • Generate parameter files for starting the secondary broker.

You can run the generated parameter file without modifications.

When you use the generated file to restart the database, some parameters are not explicitly needed to maintain the configuration of the running system. The generated file contains these parameters, but organizes them into categories. It also comments out unspecified parameters in each category with a unique comment format. See Format of the generated parameter file.

Before you generate a parameter file, see Rules for generating parameter files for restrictions.

There are two ways to generate a parameter file:

Generate a parameter file with PROMON

If you have only local access to the database or if you are unfamiliar with SQL or ABL code, use the PROMON utility, as follows:

Select PROMON utility > PROMON R&D Advanced Options > 4 (R&D Administrative Functions) > 17 (Generate parameter file).

Note: The generated parameter file overwrites comments and history in your existing .pf file.

Use this method to record parameters for primary and secondary broker startup.

For details about the PROMON option, see Generate parameter file.

Generate a parameter file with a Virtual System Table (VST)

If you have both local and remote access, use a VST, as follows:
Find _dbparams where _dbparams-name = “-pf”. 
Update _dbparams-value.

Use this method only to record database-wide parameters.