Pfile can be initxxx.ora that is Text / Asci form and the SPfile is in the Binary form to start the database. You can create spfile from initxxx.ora file and vice versa. at a time you will use one to start the database, either spfile or the initxxx.ora file, in the pfile path. Hope I am able to explain the difference. Nisar Tareen Raja Nagendiran <na_rajaa@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: hai i'm new for oracle. if any one give me diff. between pfile and spfile, in what situation we will use this both files. thank you. regards raja.n __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT document.write(''); --------------------------------- Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dba_gurus/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dba_gurus-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term'