Re: Clobs and DBMS_LOB

This feature was introduced in 9.0.1, and is not really implicit conversion -- at least as far as the developer is concerned. From the 9.2 Application Developer's Guide -- Large Objects:

"Using SQL Semantics with LOBs

In this release, for the first time, you can access (internal persistent) LOBs using SQL VARCHAR2 semantics, such as SQL string operators and functions. By providing you with an SQL interface, which you are familiar with, accessing LOB data can be greatly facilitated. These semantics are recommended when using small-sized LOBs (~ 10-100KB)."

Obviously, there are situations where the dbms_lob interface is still necessary. But particularly for the type of CLOB data you typically see -- document text, comments, etc. -- it makes everything so much easier. Received on Wed Mar 01 2006 - 21:01:47 CST