Realising sqlloader bulk load like functionality through ALSB

Question

Hi All,
I want to replace a a bourne shell script that ftp's a file of raw data from a certain location and uses sqlloader to load the raw data into an oracle database. An oracle control file splits the data into the discrete chunks and inserts into the correct column within a table.
From looking through the ALSB documentation using the ftp transport seems straightforward. However the options for uploading the raw data to the database seems overkill for my needs. I do not need to modify the data prior to inserting it into the database.
I can see that there are 2 options available to me:
(1) Use XQuery to parse the raw data split into fields and using fn-bea:execute-sql to insert the data into the database.
(2) Use a java call out and again parse the raw data and build up a pojo or collection and then persist the data using an object relational mapping tool or vanilla jdbc
(3) Use a java callout to execute sqlloader
Can anyone think of any other options? For example, is it possible to invoke sqlloader with alsb other than through a callout?
Thanks in advance,
Colin

Answer 1

You can use the fn-bea:execute-sql() to insert data into the database.
You have to write an Oracle function, and declare: PRAGMA AUTONOMOUS_TRANSACTION;
After that, inside the Oracle function you can have the insert statements or invoke a stored procedure to insert the data.
In your Xquery you will have to select the data from your Oracle function. e.g.: select functionname('datatobeinserted') from dual;
Regards,
Fabio Douek