SQL*Loader is started either when you specify the sqlldr command, or when you specify parameters that establish various characteristics of the load operation.

In situations where you always use the same parameters for which the values seldom change, it can be more efficient to specify parameters by using the following methods, rather than on the command line:

• You can group parameters together in a parameter file. You can then specify the name of the parameter file on the command line by using the PARFILE parameter.

• You can specify some parameters within the SQL*Loader control file by using the OPTIONS clause.

Parameters specified on the command line override any parameter values specified in a parameter file or OPTIONS clause.