blob vs bfile data types

BLOB (binary large objects) stores unstructured binary large objects. It is often used for graphic images, video clips, and sounds. The BLOB data type stores the content inside the Oracle database.

BFILE (binary file) is also used to large binary file stored outside the database. Oracle can read the file only, not modify it. Oracle requires appropriate operating system level read permissions on the file.

Ref: Oracle SQL Interactive Workbook (Alice Rischert)