How to determin the number of 'Open Files'?

thomas2004ch · 11-17-2009, 05:20 AM

The default open file number is 1024. In many cases one has to increase it. But how to determin which number is the suitable one?

Has this parameter relationship to other parameters?

Disillusionist · 11-17-2009, 05:39 AM

The number of open files you should set depends entirely on what you are using the system to do.

Oracle (for Database Servers) for example has it's own set of recommended minimum settings for open files (amongst other things).

Don't forget that in Unix/Linux "everything is a file"

thomas2004ch · 11-17-2009, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disillusionist

The number of open files you should set depends entirely on what you are using the system to do.

Your answer is quite abstract.

Somewhat in detail?

Our Apache-Http-WebServer is installed on LINUX. It receive everyday hundred-thaudsends of requests. Sometimes I see in the log files there are error messages such like "Cannot open TEMP file '/tmp/_wl_proxy". I think this problem maybe have to do with the number of 'open files'. But I don't know what a number should I take.

chrism01 · 11-17-2009, 05:22 PM

When you get that msg, it should also say why it can't open the file. Need to know what its complaining about instead of guessing.

salasi · 11-18-2009, 02:54 AM

Well, you could start by using lsof to list open files in various conditions and adopt a number that seems to have a sufficient margin.