As I don't see a parameter for a directory like impdp, where does imp search for the dump files that are specified by the FILE parameter?

I've searched through the Oracle's documentation for the original import utility and I don't see anything that says where it searches for the dump files. Original Import Documentation

CodePudding user response：

imp is an operating system utility and is invoked from operating system command prompt. By default, it searches for the file in current directory (the one you're in while running the imp executable).

If you specify the path to the file, then it is obvious.

If you used more recent Data Pump Import, then you'd have to specify the directory parameter which points to a directory, Oracle object that points to a file system directory. It is usually located on the database server. Directory (the Oracle object) is owned by SYS who then grants read and/or write privileges to database users who will be using that directory.

Everything above means that: imp can use dump files locally, while - for the Data Pump utilities - you don't even have to have access to the physical directory; someone else (such as a DBA) might manipulate files, put them into (filesystem) directory so that you could use them.