Create the database: overview

1. First we need to set up the oracle account and the directory structure.
   This is a common step for all 3 methods of creating a database.
   
2. Next we’ll install the database software:
   • Immediately creating a database together with the software installation.
   • Automated Installation Methods Using Response Files 
   • Uninstalling the database software
   • Install the software without creating a database.
     
3. Create a database:
   
   • Using dbca
   • Manually using the “CREATE DATABASE” statement
   • Using OMF (Oracle Managed Files)
   • Using a template
     
4. Drop the database:
   
   • With dbca
   • With the “DROP DATABASE” statement

I prefer to not immediately create a database together with the software installation.
It’s better to first install the software, install the latest patch set, and then create the database.
If the database was created together with the base install, you would need to patch the database as well…

Remark:
Starting with the release of the 11.2.0.2 patch set for Oracle Database 11g Release 2, Oracle Database patch sets are full installations of the Oracle Database software.
So you can immediately install the correct version, and don't need to apply the patch set afterwards.

New Tool to Configure Custom Installation Options

Oracle Universal Installer no longer provides the custom installation option of individual components. Use the chopt tool, a command-line utility that is located in the ORACLE_HOME/bin directory, to configure the database options.

See Also: "Enabling and Disabling Database Options"

Deinstallation Tool

Use the new deinstallation tool (deinstall) available as an Oracle Technology Network download (before installation) and in the Oracle home directory (after installation) to remove Oracle Database software.

See Chapter 7, "Removing Oracle Database Software"