External Tables vs SQLLoader
So, I often have to load data into holding tables to run some data validation checks and then return the results. Normally, I create the holding table, then a sqlldr control file and load the data into the table, then I run my queries. Is there any reason I should be using external tables for thing instead? In what way will they make my life easier?
Answer
The big advantage of external tables is that we can query them from inside the database using SQL. So we can just run the validation checks as SELECT statements without the need for a holding table. Similarly if we need to do some manipulation of the loaded data it is almost always easier to do this with SQL rather than SQLLDR commands. We can also manage data loads with DBMS_JOB/DBMS_SCHEDULER routines, which further cuts down the need for shell scripts and cron jobs.
However, if you already have a mature and stable process using SQLLDR then I concede it is unlikely you would realise tremendous benefits from porting to external tables.
There are also some cases - especially if you are loading millions of rows - where the SQLLDR approach may be considerably faster. Howver, the difference will not be as marked with more recent versions of the database. I fully expect that SQLLDR will eventually be deprecated in favour of external tables.