What's the difference between DBWR_IO_SLAVES and DB_WRITER_PROCESSES?

Hi all,

I found 2 different parameters (Oracle 8) to optimize the writing performances: DBWR_IO_SLAVES and DB_WRITER_PROCESSES.

I understand that the first one configures the number of 'slaves' of the DB writer (what is a slave?) and the second one configures the number of DB writer processes.

What's the difference between them and when should I use one rather the other?

Thanks.

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