Hi John,
As you mentioned, it depends on a number of factors. I believe I replied to
a question about improving performance of index building after an import.
Anyway, here is the reasoning behind why I said that....  When Oracle begins
sorting, it starts with the memory equal to sort_area_retained_size value
and may eventually acquire memory equal to sort_area_size. This involves at
OS level, malloc (and may be some other) memory mgmt routine(s). After the
sort phase is complete, Oracle will trigger memory de-allocation and the OS
will go at work again. If there are servile sessions performing sorts, there
can be an increased OS level memory mgmt activity (while attaining
sort_area_size and releasing it back to sort_area_retained_size) . But if
the server has *enough* memory keeping sort_area_retained_size equal to
sort_area_size may actually help. I also assume that these days most
installations have ample memory. And that the advice of using 50% (which I
had heard of) of sort area size for sort area retained size should always be
viewed in light of one's requirements and resource availability. But I can't
stop wondering... how come it was 50% and not 10% or 20%.. so it's all
relative.  I have been using what I suggested, for a number of years now
with no problems or complaints. 

Cheers !

- Kirti Deshpande 
  Verizon Information Services
   http://www.superpages.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Hallas, John [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 6:21 AM
> To:   Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
> Subject:      RE: Temporary Tablespace Design
> 
> FOR YOUR INFORMATION
> 
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> 
> 
> Kirti Deshpande writes 
> 
> "Also, keep SORT_AREA_RETAINED_SIZE the same as SORT_AREA_SIZE. As the
> former will be used while fetching data after sort phase is completed."
> 
> I thought best advice was to make the retained size smaller (50%?) of
> sort_area_size to allow initial sort memory to be released after the first
> part of the sort is managed and only the merge phase of a disk sort is
> left
> to do.
> 
> I appreciate that a lot depends on the amount of memory available and the
> number of concurrent processes that may be performing sorts but surely the
> aim is to free memory up as soon as possible down to the
> sort_area_retained_size
> 
> Thanks
> 
> John
> 
> (PS I do apologise for the rubbish at the top of this mail but it is
> inserted after I have sent the mail into our mail gateway)
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> Author: Hallas, John
>   INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Author: Deshpande, Kirti
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