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.
Note: You can also generate a parameter file at runtime to show the current settings and use this generated file to start databases or brokers.

For more information, see Generate parameter files.

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