Ann W. Harrison wrote:

> Brad Pepers wrote:
>
>>I was wondering the considerations between a binary format like Jim just
>>proposed as compared to a text based method.
>
>
> Maybe I'm completely confused, but aren't there some floating point
> values that don't translate nicely into decimal numbers? Having your
> database transfer protocol change test results for you might be
> considered unfortunate, even if the difference was small.

Comparison: Oracle (used to) store FP in (30?) BCD nibbles with others
determining holding exponent.

"Wire protocols" always pass the same data across different
architechtures under the TNS.

Oracle is IMHO a bloated pig and not the fastest beast around but
it does have some good features :-)

Jacqui