4 BFILEs
BFILE
s are data objects stored in operating system files,
outside the database tablespaces. Data stored in a table column of type
BFILE
is physically located in an operating system file, not in the
database. The BFILE
column stores a reference to the operating system
file.
BFILE
s are read-only data types. The database allows read-only byte
stream access to data stored in BFILE
s. You cannot write to or update a
BFILE
from within your application.
BFILE
s to hold the following types of data:
- Binary data that does not change while your application is running, such as graphics.
- Data that is loaded into other large object types, such as a
BLOB
orCLOB
, where the data can be manipulated. - Data that is appropriate for byte-stream access, such as multimedia.
Any storage device accessed by your operating system can hold BFILE
data, including hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, PhotoCDs, and DVDs. The database can access
BFILE
s provided the operating system supports stream-mode access to
the operating system files.