Cursors : parameters vs bind variables

I'm reading the Oracle PL/SQL User's Guide and i've got a small question with cursors.

What are the differences between :
- cursors using bind variables

• passing cursor parameters (- or even cursors referencing variables in the current pl/sql scope)

in terms of parsing, performance, concepts ...

They seems very similar to me but i feel that bind variables are more powerful.
Can I have some explanations ? (sorry if it's a dumb question)

TIA Jean-Michel Received on Sat Nov 02 2002 - 16:41:29 CST