PFILE Vs SPFILE

Two types of parameter initialization files: PFILE and SPFILE

PFILE

• Text file that can be edited.
• When changes are made to PFILE then the instance must be shutdown and restarted before it takes effect.
• init.ora
• Can be created from an SPFILE using create pfile from spfile command

SPFILE

• Binary file and cannot be edited
• Most changes can be made dynamically when the instance is open and running
• spfile.ora
• Can be created from an PFILE using create spfile from pfile command