With each Oracle release, we need to make plan database upgrade. It can be move from 12c to 19c or higher. Its better to use new server(of course if its possible) for this migration.

In this posts, i wanted to share general approach for database migration steps by using new server

In this example we move our 19c database to new server with 21c version..

Migrating an Oracle Database from version 19c to 21c involves several steps.

Here’s a general overview of the process:

Review System Requirements: Ensure that your system meets the requirements for Oracle Database 21c. Check the Oracle documentation for the specific operating system, hardware, and software prerequisites.

Pre-Upgrade Tasks: Before upgrading, perform pre-upgrade tasks such as checking database compatibility, resolving outstanding issues, and taking a backup of the database.

Install Oracle Database 21c: Install the Oracle Database 21c software on the target system following the installation guide provided by Oracle.

Create a New Oracle 21c Database: Create a new Oracle 21c database on the target system using the Database Creation Assistant (DBCA) or the command-line tools. Configure the database with the necessary settings, such as tablespaces, data files, and initialization parameters.

Export/Import or Data Pump: Depending on the size and complexity of your database, you can choose between different methods to move the data from the 19c database to the newly created 21c database:

a. Export/Import: Use the Oracle Data Pump utility (expdp/impdp) to export the data from the 19c database and import it into the 21c database.

b. Oracle GoldenGate: Implement Oracle GoldenGate to perform real-time data replication from the 19c database to the 21c database. This method allows for minimal downtime during the migration.

c. Transportable Tablespaces: If the database is large and you have a compatible hardware platform, you can use Transportable Tablespaces to move the tablespaces directly from the 19c database to the 21c database.

Apply Post-Upgrade Scripts: After importing the data into the 21c database, run any necessary post-upgrade scripts provided by Oracle. These scripts may include tasks such as gathering statistics, recompiling invalid objects, and performing any required data conversions.

Test and Validate: Perform thorough testing and validation to ensure that the migrated database functions correctly. Test the application functionality, data integrity, and performance of the new Oracle 21c database.

Decommission the 19c Database: Once you have verified the 21c database’s functionality and confirmed that all data has been successfully migrated, you can decommission the 19c database. This may involve taking appropriate backups, removing the database from the system, and performing any necessary clean-up tasks.

It’s important to note that this is a high-level overview of the migration process, and the specific steps may vary depending on your environment and requirements.

Do not forget! It’s recommended to consult the Oracle Database documentation and upgrade guides for detailed, step-by-step instructions tailored to your specific migration scenario. Additionally, thoroughly test the migration process in a non-production environment before performing the upgrade on a production system.