You can change the default startup parameters by using startup parameters on a command line, or by incorporating them into a script. You can also use a parameter file.

A parameter file can include any number of startup parameters. This is especially useful if you regularly use the same parameters, or if more parameters are required than can easily fit on the command line. To identify a parameter file, you use the Parameter File (-pf) parameter, which has the following syntax: 

-pf filename

Over time, Database Administrators (DBAs) may change parameter settings that control database behavior. DBAs may specify new parameters at startup or while running the database. You can generate a parameter file that reflects current settings—and use this generated file to restart the database with the newly altered parameters. For more information, see Generate parameter files.

You can also include the -pf parameter in the parameter file to reference another parameter file.

Note: If duplicate startup parameters are read from the startup line or .pf file, the last duplicate parameter read takes precedence.