Configuration Best Practices › Avoid Depending on the Default Value

Avoid Depending on the Default Value

It is critical that you understand the default value of each option and its implications. Most options have either true defaults or implied defaults. Where possible, consider specifying all of the primary options and their parameter values to avoid relying on default values.

Business Value

Specifying each parameter provides you with two specific advantages.

• Coding every parameter - you have taken the time to review each option and parameter selection and match it to the requirements for your site.
• Specifying the options - you protect your site from a possible default value change in a future release.

Additional Considerations

In most cases, CA attempts to make changes to default values only with major releases of the product. The release documentation contains significant notice of any changes to default values.

There is very little difference between a true default and an implied default. Typically, a true default occurs when a startup option is specified and one or more of its parameters is left unspecified so that the system assigns a default value for that parameter.

An implied default occurs when certain startup options are not specified and the system assigns a value. The CA Datacom/DB Database and System Administration Guide presents each option and its parameters. The guide shows the default values if the option is not specified. In cases where a specific parameter is not specified, the guide may state that if this option or parameter is not specified the following action or value is assigned.