Preallocating Storage for Faster Loading

SQL*Loader automatically adds extents to the table if necessary, but this process takes time. For faster loads into a new table, allocate the required extents when the table is created.

To calculate the space required by a table, see the information about managing database files in the Oracle Database Administrator's Guide. Then use the INITIAL or MINEXTENTS clause in the SQL CREATE TABLE statement to allocate the required space.

Another approach is to size extents large enough so that extent allocation is infrequent.