Overview 

Andi provides users with the unique ability to select and view complex data types like BLOBs, CLOBs, and XML files. 

BLOB stands for Binary Large Objects, which are used for storing binary data (images). CLOB stands for Character Large Objects, which are used to store string data (text) too large to be stored in a VARCHAR column. LOB (Large OBject) encompasses both BLOB and CLOB data. 

• Viewing BLOB and CLOB Data

• Insert BLOB and CLOB Data Using Andi Tags

Viewing BLOB and CLOB Data

When a LOB column is identified in Andi, the column will display the correct file-type (PDF, PNG, CLOB, etc.):

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To view the associated values, double click on a value and a dialog will display with multiple options:

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Identified content will open with an operating system registered viewer. As an example, a PDF would open in Adobe Reader, while an XML document would open in a unique Andi XML Viewer.

Note: If a Select statement is run in the Andi Query Editor and a LOB column is included, the data will be extracted from the database and stored on the local file system in an Andi temporary directory. When the result set is dismissed, the temporary files will be removed. 

Insert BLOB and CLOB Data Using Andi Tags

Andi Custom Tags are a unique part of Andi that can help turn time wasting tasks into efficient processes. Without an Andi Tag, inserting BLOB and CLOB data is difficult, especially when dealing with large files. 

The below Andi Tags are available to use to easily load BLOB and CLOB data using a simple SQL insert statement: 

Insert SQL Help 

If you are unsure how to begin an Insert statement, the below can be used as a guide:

INSERT INTO table_name (column 1, column2, column3, ...) VALUES (value1, value2, value3,...) 

Example of Insert Statement and Andi Tag 

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