binary large object

binary large object

[¦bīn·ə·rē¦lärj ′äb‚jekt]

(computer science)

In a database management system, a file-storage system used most often for multimedia files (large files). Abbreviated BLOB.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

binary large object

(database)

(BLOB) A large block of data stored in a database, such as an image or sound file. A BLOB has no structure which can be interpreted by the database management system but is known only by its size and location.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

BLOB

(Binary Large OBject) A database field that holds any digitized information, including text, images, audio and video. Also known simply as a "large object" or LOB, a BLOB may have a huge storage capacity. BLOB content is generally created once and viewed many times, and it is rarely edited, but it is occasionally deleted.

Generally Opaque to the DBMS
The contents of a BLOB are generally unknown to the database management system (DBMS) that supports them. An application must create and edit the content, while the DBMS stores it. Contrast with CLOB. See object database and relational database.

Copyright © 1981-2025 by The Computer Language Company Inc. All Rights reserved. THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.