As the number of startup parameters for a database increases, starting a broker could become tedious. A parameter file makes it easier to start a broker. You can enter all the parameters into a parameter file, and then use the parameter file to start the broker with PROSERVE.

A parameter file is a text file in which each line represents a parameter. Every line has a name and, optionally, a value and a comment. Some parameters do not have values; they only have flags. A parameter file can include any number of startup parameters.

You can also have multiple parameter files, each dedicated to a specific purpose. For example, you can specify application-specific parameters in one parameter file, database-specific parameters in another parameter file, and user-specific parameters in yet another file. You can also reference one parameter file from within another.

There are two ways to create a parameter file:

  • Create and populate a file with parameters using a text editor. You must use this method if you use UNIX.
  • Populate a parameter file template with values using the Data Administration tool in Windows.

Next, you will learn how to create a parameter file and then how to invoke it.