Large-Object Data Types

A large object is a data object that is logically stored in a table column but physically stored independent of the column. Large objects are stored separate from the table because they typically store a large amount of data. Separation of this data from the table can increase performance.

Figure 1 shows the large-object data types.

Figure 1. Large-Object Data Types

Labelled rectangles depict the logical hierarchy of Large-object data types. The Simple large objects include BYTE and TEXT data types. The Smart large objects include BLOB and CLOB data types. End figure description

Only HCL Informix® supports BLOB and CLOB data types.

For the relative advantages and disadvantages of simple and smart large objects, see the IBM® Informix Database Design and Implementation Guide.