If a table contains LOB columns, you can load data to the LOB column structure base table and LOB columns at the same time or separately. A LOB column structure base table is the part of the table without the LOB columns. A LOB column contains BLOB data.
When a table consists of multiple LOB columns, loading data only to the LOB columns later is achieved by a facility for concurrently executing data loading to multiple LOB columns. A database is not stable if data loading has been completed in a LOB column structure base table, but has not been completed in the LOB columns. Make sure that such tables are not updated in any manner, including execution of the PURGE TABLE statement. If you are executing data loading separately, we recommend that you place the applicable RDAREA in command shutdown status to suppress updating of the table by other users.
Figure 5-2 shows the method for loading data to a table with LOB columns.
Figure 5-2 Method for loading data to a table with LOB columns
A LOB input file is provided for each column and each row. This means that there must be as many LOB input files as there are LOB columns rows.
A LOB column input file is provided for each column. This means that there are as many LOB column input files as there are LOB columns.
To load data to a table with LOB columns, you need to provide the input data in one of the following forms:
Input data file | LOB input file |
---|---|
Containing the data other than the LOB columns, and the LOB input file names | As many LOB input files as there are data items to be stored |
Containing the data other than the LOB columns, and the LOB data | Not needed |