Oracle GoldenGate: How to Make Changes in Parameter Files

What are Parameter Files in Oracle GoldenGate?

Parameter Files are the heartbeat of each Oracle Goldengate Processes/Components i.e. Extract, Data Pump, Replicat, Manager (To know more about of Oracle GoldenGate Processes/Components Check Here).

Parameter files store the parameters for each Oracle Goldengate Process.. Each process in Goldengate has its own associated parameter file. Processes work according to parameters provided in the parameter file.

Golden Rules For Parameters

• Parameter file resides in dirprm directory.
• Every parameter has a default value.
• Every parameter has a counter/opposite parameter.
• The validity of a parameter in parameter file is there until its counter/opposite parameter is encounter in the parameter file.
• A parameter is valid either for extract parameter file/Data Pump Parameter file or Replicat parameter file or it may be valid for all 3 parameter files.
• A parameter is valid for tables following that parameter.

Where are Parameter Files Stored?

Parameter file resides in dirprm directory. $GG_HOME/dirprm 

How to Update Parameter Files?

Follow below steps to update the parameter file

1. Take necessary approval for downtime related to Oracle Goldengate Process (Yes re-start is required).
2. Stop the process. GGSCI> Stop EXT1  (Note: Here GGSCI is command line interface to manage GoldenGate & EXT1 is process name (Extract Process in my case) for which you need to change parameter)
3. Open and Edit the process parameter file. GGSCI>edit param EXT1
4. Once changes are made, save the changes and quit the vi editor
5. Verify the changes are correct by viewing the parameter file. GGSCI> view param EXT1
6. Once the changes are verified, start the process. GGSCI> start extract EXT1

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