🧩 How to Monitor Archive Log Space Usage in Oracle Database

🧩 Introduction

In Oracle databases running in ARCHIVELOG mode, archive logs can quickly consume disk space if not managed properly. Monitoring archive log space is critical to prevent database downtime.

Step 1: Check Archive Log Destination

SHOW PARAMETER log_archive_dest;

➡️ Displays the path where archive logs are stored.

Step 2: Check Space Usage with OS Commands

du -sh /u01/app/oracle/archivelog/

➡️ Shows total size of archive logs in the archive destination.

Step 3: List Archive Logs in Database

SELECT sequence#, applied, completion_time

FROM v$archived_log

ORDER BY completion_time DESC;

➡️ Lists archive logs with their status and completion time.

Step 4: Delete Old Archive Logs

If using RMAN:

DELETE ARCHIVELOG UNTIL TIME 'SYSDATE-7';

➡️ Removes archive logs older than 7 days.

Conclusion

Monitoring and cleaning up archive logs prevents space issues and ensures smooth Oracle database operation.

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