difference between the Alert file and the Trace file

[prav_saras]

Hi Friends
What is basic difference between the Alert file and the Trace file?
Trace file is created by the user process and is written to USER_DUMP_DEST.
Alert file is created by server process and written to BACKGROUND_DUMP_DEST.
I am little bit confuse,can u help me
Regards
praveen

[fraze]

If a server or background process detects an internal error then it is written to a trace file - also tracing information is written to trace files.
The alert log is a chronological log of messages and errors from the database. Includes things like startups/shutdowns, admin operations, ORA-0600 messages etc - best to read the concepts manual for a proper list

[adewri]

Originally posted by fraze
If a server or background process detects an internal error then it is written to a trace file - also tracing information is written to trace files.

These trace files (server or backuground trace files) are generated in BACKGROUND_DUMP_DEST.

The user trace files are generated in USER_DUMP_DEST.

prav_saras the basic difference is what u said ur self

Trace file is created by the user process and is written to USER_DUMP_DEST.
Alert file is created by server process and written to BACKGROUND_DUMP_DEST.