This module will discuss the issues surrounding the interaction between Oracle data blocks and the database engine. As we know, the size of the data blocks, the structure of the rows on the data blocks and the settings of the table storage parameters all have an effect upon the contents of the data block and the performance of our database.
By the time you finish this module, you should be able to:

1. Determine the appropriate db_block_size
2. Optimize space usage within blocks
3. Describe internals of the segment header
4. Set proper values for PCTUSED and PCTFREE
5. Describe the effect of the high water mark on full-table scans
6. Detect and resolve row migration

One of the most confusing issues surrounding storage space in an Oracle database is setting the proper data block size. The next lesson reviews the db_block_size parameter setting.