ORA-04031: Unable to Allocate X Bytes of Shared Memory

The ORA-04031 error, Unable to Allocate X Bytes of Shared Memory ,occurs when the Oracle database system does not have enough available shared memory to fulfill a request. This error typically indicates a shortage of shared pool or shared memory resources.

Here are some steps you can take to resolve the ORA-04031 error:

1. Increase shared pool size: One common cause of the ORA-04031 error is a shortage of memory in the shared pool. You can try increasing the shared pool size by modifying the initialization parameter SHARED_POOL_SIZE in the Oracle initialization file (usually init.ora or spfile.ora ). Increase the value of this parameter and restart the database for the changes to take effect.

2. Configure automatic memory management (AMM): If you are using Oracle Database 11g or later versions, consider enabling Automatic Memory Management (AMM). With AMM, Oracle dynamically manages the distribution of memory among different components, including the shared pool. You can enable AMM by setting the MEMORY_TARGET parameter in the initialization file. Remember to restart the database after making the changes.

3. Tune your application and SQL statements: Review your application and SQL statements for any inefficient code or excessive memory usage. Poorly written queries, excessive cursors, or inefficient memory allocation practices can contribute to shared memory issues. Identify and optimize any problematic code to reduce memory consumption.

4. Check for large shared pool allocations: Determine if any specific components or features are causing large shared pool allocations. For example, certain Oracle features like Oracle Text, Oracle XML DB, or the use of large PL/SQL packages can consume significant shared memory. Evaluate the use of these features and consider reducing their memory footprint if possible.

5. Monitor and adjust memory parameters: Continuously monitor the database's memory usage and adjust memory-related parameters accordingly. Review the values of parameters such as SHARED_POOL_RESERVED_SIZE, SHARED_POOL_RESERVED_MIN_ALLOC, and SHARED_POOL_SIZE to ensure they are appropriately set for your workload. Consult Oracle documentation and resources for guidelines on configuring these parameters.

6. Use Automatic Shared Memory Management (ASMM): Starting with Oracle Database 10g, Oracle introduced Automatic Shared Memory Management (ASMM), which can dynamically manage the shared pool size based on the workload. Enabling ASMM allows Oracle to automatically adjust the shared pool size as needed. You can enable ASMM by setting the SGA_TARGET parameter in the initialization file. Restart the database for the changes to take effect.

Remember to perform thorough testing and consider the impact of any changes to your database configuration. It's essential to understand the specific needs and workload of your environment when adjusting memory parameters.


Rate Your Experience

: 89 : 0

Online Tests
Read more

Oracle Database
Read more

MSSQL Database
Read more

PostGres Database
Read more

Linux
Read more

ASP/C#
Read more

Navigation Panel