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How to Convert LONG Column to CLOB Using DBMS_REDEFINITION Package (Doc ID 251417.1)

Last updated on FEBRUARY 02, 2022

Applies to:

Oracle Database - Enterprise Edition - Version 10.2.0.1 and later
Oracle Database Exadata Express Cloud Service - Version N/A and later
Oracle Database Exadata Cloud Machine - Version N/A and later
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure - Database Service - Version N/A and later
Oracle Database Backup Service - Version N/A and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.



Purpose

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This Note discusses how to convert LONG column to CLOB using package DBMS_REDEFINITION.

Oracle has introduced the package DBMS_REDEFINITION to redefine tables on line in 9.0.1. release. In release 9.0.1.X and 9.2.0.X, it is not possible to on line redefine tables with LONG columns.

This restriction has been removed in release 10G.

In 10G, tables with LONG columns can be on line redefined, but those columns must be converted to CLOBS. Tables with LONG RAW columns must be converted to BLOBS.

Therefore in 10G, it is possible to use package DBMS_REDEFINITION to convert LONG, LONG RAW columns to CLOB, BCLOB respectively.

Scope

The scope of this Note is directed to Oracle dba's looking to change a field from a LONG or LONG RAW to the associated CLOB or BLOB field.

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