Overview
Inline external tables enable the run time definition of an external table to be part of a SQL statement, thus eliminating the need to create an external table as a persistent database object in the data dictionary.
Technologies and Tools Used
The following technologies have been used to achieve this
- Oracle SQL, PL/SQL
Use Case
Inline external tables remove the need for explicitly creating external tables to access data outside an Oracle database.
This simplifies accessing external data, and enables developing simpler and efficient database applications.
External table definition provided at run time
- Similar to the in-line view.
- No need to pre-create external tables that are used one time only.
- Increased developer productivity.
Steps with Screenshot
Before 18c:
CREATE TABLE sales_xt
(prod_id number, … )
TYPE ORACLE_LOADER
…
LOCATION ’new_sales_kw13′)
REJECT LIMIT UNLIMITED);
INSERT INTO sales SELECT * FROM sales_xt;
DROP TABLE sales_xt;
After 18c:
INSERT INTO sales
SELECT sales_xt.*
FROM EXTERNAL (
(prod_id number, … )
TYPE ORACLE_LOADER
…
LOCATION ’new_sales_kw13′)
REJECT LIMIT UNLIMITED);