Oracle GoldenGate uses a well-defined directory structure to manage its configuration, runtime data, logs, and checkpoints. Below is a detailed overview of each key directory:

The command creates separate subdirectories.

create subdirs 

1. dirprm – Parameter Files

• Purpose: Stores user-created parameter files for GoldenGate processes.
• Details: Each file contains runtime parameters for a specific process (e.g., Extract or Replicat).
• Naming Convention: The filename matches the process name (e.g., ext01.prm).
• Command Example

view param ext01

2. dirdat – Trail Files

• Purpose: Stores trail files generated by Extract (local trails) and Data Pump (remote trails).
• File Naming:
  • Pre-12c: Two-character prefix + six-digit sequence (e.g., et000000)
  • 12c and later: Supports up to nine-digit sequence (e.g., et000000000)
• Usage: These files contain the actual change data captured from the source.

3. dirchk – Checkpoint Files

• Purpose: Contains subdirectories with checkpoint files for Extract and Replicat processes.
• Function: Maintains read/write positions to ensure data consistency and fault tolerance.
• File Extensions:
  • .cpe – Extract checkpoint files
  • .cpr – Replicat checkpoint files
• Checkpoint Types:
  • Recovery Checkpoint: Position of the oldest unprocessed transaction.
  • Current Checkpoint: Position of the last record read.
• Command Example

info ext01 showch

Note: If the recovery and current checkpoints are not much difference, then the system is in a healthy state.

4. dirrpt – Report Files

• Purpose: Stores report files generated by Extract, Replicat, and Manager processes.
• File Format: .rpt
• Details: Contains statistical and diagnostic information about process execution.
• Retention: Up to 10 old report files are retained.

5. dirpcs – Process Status Files

• Purpose: Stores status files created when processes are running.
• File Extensions:
  • .pce – Extract
  • .pcr – Replicat
  • .pcm – Manager
• Contents: Includes program name, process name, and process ID.

6. dirtmp – Temporary Files

• Purpose: Stores temporary data, especially for long-running transactions.
• Usage: Helps manage memory and performance during extended operations.

7. dircrd – Credential Store

• Purpose: Stores the GoldenGate credential store (vault) files.
• Usage: Used to securely save and manage database passwords and credentials.

8. BR Files – Bounded Recovery

• Purpose: Stores data for long-running transactions to ensure recoverability.
• Behavior: Automatically cleaned up once the transaction completes.
• Control Parameter:

BR OFF  -- disables bounded recovery

9. Additional Directories (if configured):

• dirdef: Stores data definitions files used for mapping source and target schemas.
• dirout: May contain output files from custom scripts or user-defined processes.
• dirjar: Used in Java-based integrations (e.g., JMS), stores JAR files.
• dirxml: Stores XML configuration files, especially in heterogeneous environments.
• dirwlt: Wallet directory for secure SSL/TLS configurations.