Alter database backup controlfile

[nirasha]

I backup my controlfiles using both these methods:

alter database backup controlfile to trace;

alter database backup controlfile to
'/u07/backup/fndry_p/database/control.10032001204745';

The second one I noticed actually copies the control file to that location. I am using hotbackups (tablespace in backup mode etc), I was wondering if this copy was valuable. I mean the database is up while I used this command. If something happened to all my controlfiles, could I use this to restore?

Thanks in advance,
Nirasha

[contactrb]

The file it was created contains just the necessary create command for control file.

Once it hase been created initialise the logs and proceed in case you need to perform a disaster recovery.

[nirasha]

The first command (to trace) creates the create command, but the second actually copies a control file. I tried opening it (the second one) and it was different from the first one. And the second one matches the actual size of control file.

I was trying to figure out whether the second one was of any use since it was done with the database open.

Nirasha

[mbaliga]

Hi,

Backup controlfile to trace gives you the script to create the control file. You can modify this script to change certain parameters like max_data_files, history information etc.

Backup controlfile to a location, backs up the controlfile at that instance in binary file. You can use this binary version as a backup controlfile for your recovery.

Baliga