Stack traces, dump files and core files contain useful information about what a server process is doing at a given time, such as:
Methods called
Memory information
Active thread information
These files are time-consuming to read and not always easy to understand. It is better to try simple troubleshooting techniques first. Use the server log first, which is much more readable, to review server and component output and check any errors raised. Next, check the dump file to get an idea of which debug/trace flags should be turned on. This may help identify things like operating system signal issues.
For information about how to obtain various trace files for troubleshooting, see “Stack traces, dump files, and core files”.
Stack traces, dump files, and core files are not mutually
exclusive. Depending on the platform and tools or options you use,
the output file may contain one or more types of detail.
