Controlfile in Oracle Database.

Every database has a control file which is a binary file that records the physical structure of the database. Control file is called the heart of the database.

The control file includes:

• The database name.

• Names and locations of associated datafiles and redo log files.

• The timestamp of the database creation.

• The current log sequence number.

• Checkpoint information.

• Information of the tablespaces.

• Datafile offline ranges.

• The log history.

• Archived log information.

• Database backup information taken through RMAN.

• The current log sequence number.

• Datafile copy information.



How to see the control file Contents:
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Control file creation sql command/syntax can be seen by,

alter database backup controlfile to trace as '/oradata/1.txt'

After issuing the command if you open /oradata/1.txt you will see the sql script of creation controlfile.

If you don't use trace suppose you use,
alter database backup controlfile as '/oradata/1.txt' then you will get a duplicate binary copy of the current control file.

Related Documents:
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How and When to Re-create Controlfile

How to Restore the Controlfile from Backup.

ORA-00214: Controlfile Version Inconsistent on Startup or Shutdown

Creating controlfile fails with ORA-01503, ORA-01161

Backup Database control file -User Managed

Recover database after only lose of all controlfiles