Initializing Databases

You initialize the data and log volumes of a database. During this process, the database catalog, application data, and the database log entries are deleted. However, the database configuration (database parameters, number, and definition of volumes and so on) is retained.

Initializing the database is necessary in the following cases:

• Certain recovery situations

  Example

  After a training course, you want to restore the training course to its original state by importing a data backup that contains the original database state. By initializing the database before you restore the database, you delete the redo log entries, thus ensuring that all changes to the course database made by course participants are discarded.

• Testing

  Example

  For your daily tests, you need an empty database. By initializing the database before each test, you do not need to create and configure a new database for each test.

• Creating a database copy

• Setting up a standby database

To initialize a database, use Database Studio or Database Manager CLI.

More information:

• Database Studio, Initializing Databases

• Database Manager CLI, db_activate

• Restoring Databases

• Database Copy

• Standby Database