Allocate disk space

This section explains how to allocate disk space for the database server.

Before you can create a storage space or chunk, or mirror an existing storage space, you must allocate disk space for the chunk file. You can allocate either an empty file or a portion of raw disk for database server disk space.

UNIX only: On UNIX™, if you allocate raw disk space, you must use the UNIX ln command to create a link between the character-special device name and another file name. For more information about this topic, see Create symbolic links to raw devices (UNIX).

Using a UNIX file and its inherent operating-system interface for database server disk space is called using cooked space.

Windows only: On Windows™, you must use NTFS files for database server disk space. For more information about this recommendation, see Unbuffered or buffered disk access on UNIX.

You can balance chunks over disks and controllers. Placing multiple chunks on a single disk can improve throughput.