As modern applications handle increasing volumes of unstructured and semi-structured data, LOBs (Large Objects) have become a critical part of database workloads. From documents and images to JSON data, efficient LOB handling directly impacts performance.
With Oracle Database 23c, a powerful enhancement has been introduced: Accelerated SecureFiles LOB Write Performance.
The best part?
👉 It works automatically—no tuning, no configuration, no code changes.
In this blog, we’ll explore how this feature improves performance, why it matters, and how it benefits real-world applications.
What Are SecureFiles LOBs?
SecureFiles LOBs are Oracle’s advanced storage mechanism for handling large data such as:
- Documents (PDF, Word)
- Images and videos
- XML and JSON data
- Binary files
They provide:
- High performance
- Compression
- Deduplication
- Encryption
👉 SecureFiles are the modern replacement for BasicFiles LOBs.
The Challenge with LOB Performance
Before Oracle 23c, working with LOBs had some limitations:
- Slower write performance for large LOBs
- Inefficient buffering in mixed workloads
- Limited optimization for JSON data
- Performance overhead with compressed LOBs
In high-volume environments, this could lead to:
- Increased latency
- Resource inefficiency
- Complex tuning efforts
What’s New in Oracle 23c?
Oracle 23c introduces automatic performance improvements for SecureFiles LOBs.
🔑 Key Highlight:
Everything is automatic and transparent
No need to:
- Set parameters
- Modify table definitions
- Add hints
- Change application logic
👉 The database handles everything internally.
Key Enhancements Explained
1. Multiple LOBs in a Single Transaction
Previously:
- Handling multiple LOBs in one transaction could be inefficient
Now:
- Multiple LOBs can be buffered simultaneously
💡 Benefit:
- Better handling of mixed workloads
- Faster processing when switching between LOB operations
👉 Ideal for applications working with multiple files or data streams.
2. Adaptive PGA Buffer Resizing
Oracle now introduces automatic buffer resizing in PGA (Program Global Area).
How it works:
- The system dynamically adjusts buffer size
- Based on the size of LOB writes
This is especially useful when using:
- NOCACHE option
👉 NOCACHE bypasses buffer cache and uses PGA directly
💡 Benefit:
- Optimized memory usage
- Faster large data writes
- Reduced manual tuning
3. Improved JSON Performance with OSON
JSON is everywhere—but historically, JSON data was treated as:
- Small to medium-sized data (32KB to ~32MB)
Now, Oracle 23c introduces:
OSON (Oracle Serialized Object Notation)
- A native binary format for JSON
- Optimized for storage and performance
What changes?
- JSON data is automatically recognized
- Stored efficiently using LOB architecture
💡 Benefits:
- Faster read/write operations
- Reduced storage overhead
- Better query performance
👉 Perfect for modern API-driven applications.
4. Faster Compressed LOB Operations
Compression is great for saving space—but it often impacts performance.
Oracle 23c improves:
- Read/write speed for compressed LOBs
- Compression caching efficiency
💡 Benefit:
- Faster access to compressed data
- Better performance without sacrificing storage
5. Enhanced Mixed Workload Handling
Modern applications rarely deal with one type of data.
They handle:
- JSON
- Files
- Logs
- Media
Oracle 23c optimizes:
- Switching between different LOB types
- Handling multiple LOB operations
👉 Result: smoother and faster performance across workloads
Why This Matters
1. Zero Configuration
Everything works automatically:
- No DBA intervention
- No application changes
👉 Saves time and reduces complexity
2. Improved Performance
- Faster LOB writes
- Better memory utilization
- Reduced latency
3. Better Scalability
- Handles large and mixed workloads efficiently
- Supports modern data-heavy applications
4. Developer-Friendly
- No need for manual tuning
- Focus on building applications
5. Optimized for Modern Data
- Native JSON support
- Efficient handling of large objects
Real-World Use Cases
🔹 Content Management Systems
- Store and manage documents
- Faster uploads and retrieval
🔹 Media Applications
- Handle images and videos
- Improved streaming performance
🔹 API & Microservices
- Process JSON data efficiently
- Faster API responses
🔹 Data Analytics Platforms
- Work with large datasets
- Improved query performance
Best Practices
Even though everything is automatic, you should:
✔️ Use SecureFiles LOBs
- Ensure your tables use SecureFiles
✔️ Leverage NOCACHE for Large Writes
- Useful for bulk data operations
✔️ Monitor PGA Usage
- Ensure sufficient memory for large workloads
✔️ Use JSON Data Types Properly
- Take advantage of OSON optimization
Common Misconceptions
❌ “I need to configure this feature” → No
❌ “It only works for large files” → Also improves JSON
❌ “Compression slows things down” → Now optimized
Final Thoughts
Oracle 23c’s Accelerated SecureFiles LOB Write Performance is a major upgrade for handling large and complex data.
Key Takeaways:
- Automatic performance improvements
- Faster LOB writes and reads
- Adaptive memory management
- Native JSON optimization with OSON
👉 This feature ensures your database is ready for modern, data-intensive applications without additional effort.
