Re: Implementing Meta File information in Linux (oracle no justification)

Hans Reiser (reiser@idiom.com)
Wed, 16 Sep 1998 03:08:32 -0700

You misunderstand me. I am not saying use raw disk. I am saying use the filesystem,
not a layer above the filesystem. I am saying use directories and demand of the filesystem
that they be space efficient for small files, scalable to large directory sizes,
and that the filesystem support lightweight
files which can inherit attributes from a parent so that there isn't high overhead when using files
for small things like names and addresses.

Hans

Majdi Abbas wrote:

> On Wednesday, September 02, 1998 4:45 PM, Paul Barton-Davis [SMTP:pbd@Op.Net]
> wrote:
> > hans writes:
> >
> > >I don't know anything about RMS, but ORACLE uses raw disk for a
> > >reason..... To avoid letting layering give you the worst performance
> > >aspects of two storage models combined.
> >
> > but he can't be allowed to get away with this. first of all, Oracle
> > delicately point out there are some real headaches associated with
> > using raw partitions (i.e. character device files) that crop up when
> > one of their data files fills up. backup issues also become more
> > complex. anyone who's administered complex oracle db's knows the kind
> > of thing i'm referring to: not insoluble, but worthy of note.
>
> There are amazingly real headaches associated with the use of raw
> device files in Oracle for backup and restore situations...Given the rise of
> faster controllers/CPUs/drives, Oracle has deprecated this option and
> strongly recommends the use of ordinary files, especially for systems
> that have a logical volume manager (like HP-UX or AIX) -- this also allows one
> to allow dynamic resizing of the datafiles; combined with the LVM, it is
> possible to add a drive to a system, grow various partitions using it, and
> keep going. The same isn't possible with raw device files.
>
> I haven't upgraded our production systems to Oracle8 yet but I have
> a feeling the option will disappear soon if it hasn't already...there are no
> good
> reasons to use a raw device at this point in time.
>
> --Majdi
>
> --
> Majdi Abbas Systems/Network Admin 734-995-5590 x229
> CableData Telecommunications, Inc. Fax: 734-995-5989
> (and DBA)
>
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