Preface

This manual provides reference information about database initialization parameters, static data dictionary views, dynamic performance views, database limits, and SQL scripts that are part of the Oracle Database.

Oracle Database Reference contains information that describes the features and functionality of the Oracle Database (also known as the standard edition) and the Oracle Database Enterprise Edition products. The Oracle Database and the Oracle Database Enterprise Edition have the same basic features. However, several advanced features are available only with the Enterprise Edition, and some of these are optional. For example, to use application failover, you must have the Enterprise Edition with the Real Application Clusters option.

Audience

Oracle Database Reference is intended for database administrators, system administrators, and database application developers.

To use this document, you need TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING:

Oracle database management system (DBMS) concepts
Your operating system environment

Documentation Accessibility

For information about Oracle's commitment to accessibility, visit the Oracle Accessibility Program website at http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=docacc.

Access to Oracle Support

Oracle customers have access to electronic support through My Oracle Support. For information, visit http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=info or visit http://www.oracle.com/pls/topic/lookup?ctx=acc&id=trs if you are hearing impaired.

Related Documents

For more information, see these Oracle resources:

Oracle Database Concepts for a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and terminology used in this manual
Oracle Database Administrator's Guide for information about administering the Oracle Database
Oracle Database Upgrade Guide for the procedures for upgrading a previous release of Oracle to the new release
Oracle Database SQL Language Reference for information on Oracle's SQL commands and functions
Oracle Database Advanced Application Developer's Guide for information about developing database applications within the Oracle Database

Many of the examples in this book use the sample schemas, which are installed by default when you select the Basic Installation option with an Oracle Database installation. Refer to Oracle Database Sample Schemas for information on how these schemas were created and how you can use them yourself.

Printed documentation is available for sale in the Oracle Store at

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To download free release notes, installation documentation, white papers, or other collateral, please visit the Oracle Technology Network (OTN). You must register online before using OTN; registration is free and can be done at

http://www.oracle.com/technology

You can go directly to the documentation section of the OTN Web site at

http://www.oracle.com/technology/documentation

Conventions

The following text conventions are used in this document:

Convention	Meaning
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italic	Italic type indicates book titles, emphasis, or placeholder variables for which you supply particular values.
`monospace`	Monospace type indicates commands within a paragraph, URLs, code in examples, text that appears on the screen, or text that you enter.