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What is DB_BLOCK_SIZE?

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DB_BLOCK_SIZE is the SGA initialization parameter that is used to determine the


size of database blocks in bytes.

Oracle recommends that your database block size match, or be multiples of your
operating system block size. One can use smaller block sizes, but the performance
cost is significant. The choice should depend on the type of application you are
running. If you have many small transactions as with OLTP, use a smaller block
size. With fewer but larger transactions, as with a Data warehousing (DW)
application, use a larger block size.

db_block_size = integer ( Range of values 2048 to 32768, but may be limited by


operating system)

Whats is the ideal block size for My database?

There is no standard block size suggested, Based on the type of database and
applications, we need to choose the block size that suits our need.
Baiscally we can choose smaller,medium and large block size, the following oulines
each.

Smaller (2k, 4k)

Advantages

Good for small rows with lots of wide-spread random access I/O (row lookups by
index, etc.) ·
Reduces the chances for block contention and possibility of “Buffer Busy Waits” ·

Disadvantages

Smaller blocks support a smaller number of entries in the Interested Transaction


List (controlled by InitTrans and MaxTrans),
limiting the number of concurrent changes · Not recommended for large data rows
(limits the number of rows stored per block and increases potential for row
chaining) ·
Less data transfer per I/O call

Medium (8k)

Advantages

The most suitable “middle ground” between block contention, efficient data storage,
and I/O throughput for general transaction processing systems ·

Suggested for OLTP databases

Disadvantages
Memory and I/O can be wasted if a majority of data is accessed randomly and
consists of very small rows (<100 bytes)

Larger (16k, 32k, etc.)


Advantages

More data transfer per I/O call ·


More space for index key storage, reducing index height and improved index-based
queries ·
Less chance for chained and/or migrated rows · Excellent for sequential data
access, table scans, etc prevalent in DSS and reporting environments

Suggested for DW or reporting databases.

Disadvantages
In OLTP environments, increases the potential for block contention and the
possibility of “Buffer Busy Waits”, especially when updating traditional rollback
segment and index leaf blocks
Posted by Naresh Miryala

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