My first consideration with regards to bind variables is to consider the cost of parsing the query. After all the benefit of bind variables (or at least a major one) is to reduce the number of parses required. If the query is going to be executed so rarely that the parse cost (a fraction of a second typically) isn't significant then there appears to be little benefit.
I think bind variables are most useful in OTLP where the same query gets fired again and again (especially when you have hundreds of client connections). At the other extreme (a batch query executed once per day) they aren't required. Therefore my approach tends to be "is the query going to be executed very frequently - if so then look at using bind variables on the values that will change". Regards, Mark. [EMAIL PROTECTED] disys.com To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Oracle position on hints om 11/03/2003 05:09 Please respond to ORACLE-L Well, I wouldn't say you should *always* use bind variables. Many situations in a database warehouse preclude that. Potentially long running queries may need to have literals to help the CBO make the right choice. Star transforms don't work with bind variables, and histograms can't be used with bind variables. Jared "Nicoll, Iain" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 03/08/2003 06:23 AM Please respond to ORACLE-L To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> cc: Subject: RE: Oracle position on hints Given the attitude of most dba's that you should always use bind variables where possible I can't see how you'd cope with skewed data without them. Most developers should know a databases's data better than the optimiser and certainly when building queries it's always worthwhile seeing where data is being most effectively filtered. There are lots of mature systems out there where the data characteristics are unlikely to change much and for most in-house developers you're never going to have to think about portability but always about performance. Iain Nicoll -----Original Message----- Sent: 07 March 2003 16:04 To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L Hi, Does Oracle have an official position on hints ? Will they go away as the optimiser is becoming bettre or they are there to stay ? TIA Stephane Paquette Administrateur de bases de donnees Database Administrator Standard Life www.standardlife.ca Tél. (514) 925-7187 [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: Nicoll, Iain INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<---->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Privileged/Confidential information may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or responsible for delivery of the message to such person), you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone. In such case, you should destroy this message and kindly notify the sender by reply e-mail or by telephone on (61 3) 9612-6999. Please advise immediately if you or your employer does not consent to Internet e-mail for messages of this kind. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of Transurban City Link Ltd shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<---->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.net -- Author: Mark Richard INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- 858-538-5051 http://www.fatcity.com San Diego, California -- Mailing list and web hosting services --------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).