Defining BLOB Data Types
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InterBase supports a dynamically sizable data type called a BLOB to store data that cannot easily be stored in one of the standard SQL data types. A Blob is used to store very large data objects of indeterminate and variable size, such as bit-mapped graphics images, vector drawings, sound files, video segments, chapter or book-length documents, or any other kind of multimedia information. Because a Blob can hold different kinds of information, it requires special processing for reading and writing. For more information about Blob handling, see the Embedded SQL Guide.
The BLOB data type provides the advantages of a database management system, including transaction control, maintenance by database utilities, and access using SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements. Use the BLOB data type to avoid storing pointers to non-database files.