Irrespective of source and target database type or version, Oracle GoldenGate versions differ in functionalities and file formats. For example, the canonical file format of a trail file will differ between GoldenGate versions. To allow compatibility between differing versions, we must use the FORMAT RELEASE option of the EXTTRAIL and RMTTRAIL parameters in our Extract and data pump configuration.

The following code will enable the Oracle GoldenGate 11.2.x.x.x Version Replicat (target) to process trail files written by the Oracle GoldenGate 12.1.x.x.x Version Extract (source). The option includes the major.minor numbers of the target release that must be included in the EXTTRAIL and RMTTRAIL configuration on the 12c source:

EXTTRAIL ./dirdat/lt, FORMAT RELEASE 11.2