Binary large object, commonly known as BLOB, is a term used in computer science to refer to a large amount of data stored as a single entity. The IPA phonetic transcription for BLOB is /blɑb/. The spelling of the word is straightforward, with the first syllable pronounced as "blah" and the second syllable as "b." The word "binary" refers to the data format in which the BLOB is stored, while "large object" describes the size and nature of the data structure. BLOBs are commonly used in databases and file systems to store multimedia files such as images, videos, and audio recordings.
A binary large object (BLOB) refers to a data type used in database management systems (DBMS) to store and manage large amounts of unstructured binary data. It is commonly used to store multimedia files such as images, videos, audio files, and other complex data structures. The term "binary" signifies that the data is stored in its raw, binary format as a sequence of ones and zeros.
BLOBs can store vast amounts of data, ranging from kilobytes to gigabytes, making them suitable for managing large files within a database. This allows for the efficient retrieval, storage, and organization of multimedia files alongside structured data. The size of a BLOB is not limited by the structure or schema of the database, providing flexibility for managing diverse types of data.
The binary large object is typically managed using special procedures and APIs within a DBMS, allowing applications to interact with and manipulate the stored binary data. BLOBs are commonly used in various applications such as content management systems, multimedia databases, and web development where the need to store and retrieve large files is essential.
Overall, a binary large object is an essential component of database systems that enables the storage and retrieval of unstructured binary data, offering the capability to manage diverse types of files efficiently.