7 Understanding How to Use SQL*Loader

Learn about the basic concepts you should understand before loading data into Oracle databases using SQL*Loader.

• SQL*Loader Features
  SQL*Loader loads data from external files into Oracle Database tables.
• SQL*Loader Parameters
  SQL*Loader is started either when you specify the sqlldr command, or when you specify parameters that establish various characteristics of the load operation.
• SQL*Loader Control File
  The control file is a text file written in a language that SQL*Loader understands.
• Input Data and Data Fields in SQL*Loader
  Learn how SQL*Loader loads data and identifies record fields.
• LOBFILEs and Secondary Data Files (SDFs)
  Large Object (LOB) data can be lengthy enough that it makes sense to load it from a LOBFILE.
• Data Conversion and Data Type Specification
  During a conventional path load, data fields in the data file are converted into columns in the database (direct path loads are conceptually similar, but the implementation is different).
• SQL*Loader Discarded and Rejected Records
  SQL*Loader can reject or discard some records read from the input file, either because of issues with the files, or because you have selected to filter the records out of the load.
• Log File and Logging Information
  When SQL*Loader begins processing, it creates a log file.
• Conventional Path Loads, Direct Path Loads, and External Table Loads
  SQL*Loader provides several methods to load data.
• Loading Objects, Collections, and LOBs with SQL*Loader
  You can bulk-load the column, row, LOB, and JSON database objects that you need to model real-world entities, such as customers and purchase orders.
• Partitioned Object Support in SQL*Loader
  Partitioned database objects enable you to manage sections of data, either collectively or individually. SQL*Loader supports loading partitioned objects.
• Application Development: Direct Path Load API
  Direct path loads enable you to load data from external files into tables and partitions.Oracle provides a direct path load API for application developers.
• SQL*Loader Case Studies
  To learn how you can use SQL*Loader features, you can run a variety of case studies that Oracle provides.