Oracle scope = memory

Question:  I don't understand the scope=memory option.  Does scope=memory only apply to SGA parameters?  How is scope=memory different than a standard alter system command?

Answer:  scope is a parameter used in conjunction with the alter system command when you are changing any initialization parameter of an spfile.  It is vital to understand how to use this parameter to achieve the desired effect.  There are three values that the scope parameter can take:

• scope = memory

• scope = spfile

• scope = both

For the value in question, scope = memory, Oracle will make the change specified by the alter system command for the life of the instance.  The next time the database is bounced, for any reason, the change will be reverted to the default value.

For scope=spfile the change made in the alter system command will take place starting from the next startup but will not affect the current instance. 

If you want the alter system command to take place immediately you can use the scope = both value, which will make the change for the current instance and preserve it through any future bounces.

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