Which naming method uses the tnsnames.ora file to store the connect descriptor used by the client while connecting to the database instance from a remote machine?

Oracle Net provides support for the following naming methods:

• Easy connect naming: The easy connect naming method enables clients to connect to an Oracle database server by using a TCP/IP connect string consisting of a host name and optional port and service name as follows:
CONNECT username/password@host[:port][/service_name]
The easy connect naming method requires no configuration.

• Local naming: The local naming method stores connect descriptors (identified by their net service name) in a local configuration file named tnsnames.ora on the client.

• Directory naming: To access a database service, the directory naming method stores connect identifiers in a centralized directory server that is compliant with the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

• External naming: The external naming method stores net service names in a supported non-Oracle naming service. Supported third-party services include:
– Network Information Service (NIS) External Naming
– Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) Cell Directory Services (CDS)

ANSWER: A