Save images as raw-binary (BLOB) data

[TimTDP]

I need to insert graphic files into my database.
Currently I save the URL of the file in a text field. This is to prevent bloating the size of the database

I have been lead to believe that saving the images as raw-binary (BLOB) data avoids bloat.

Is this good practice?
How do I implement this?
How would I use the image in a report?

 

[smig]

what's wrong with what you are doing now ?

 

[TimTDP]

Because I believe that using raw-binary data the file is embedded into the database without the overhead. This is the ideal solution for portable databases, e.g databases on a laptop

 

[vbaInet]

Apparently so!

In this link from LPurvis, have a look at Storing BLOB Data:

http://www.databasedevelopment.co.uk/examples.htm

You may also check out this (which isn't free by the way):

http://www.ammara.com/articles/long-binary-data.html

 

[blah]

what's wrong with what you are doing now ?

very helpful answer. gawd, somebody give this guy an award.

 

[Simon_MT]

The one consideration with embedding images is that every image has to 'read over' when it is not being used whilst referential use of images only renders the images when they are actually required.

Yes, porpagating databses is a pain with linked images as the images have to be transferred as well. If there are just a few images then perhaps embedding is OK. A large quantity of images don't. In Access 2007 you can specify to keep in their native format greatly reduces the footprint of the images.

Simon