Document-ID:        33215.1
Subject:            Comparison of ORA_FFI v's User Exits
Author:             DRMILLS
Last Modified:      04 Mar 97 


Introduction
------------

This note attempts to outline some of the differences between using the ORA_FFI 
package to access 3gl code, and a user exit for the same task.
 
Using ORA_FFI rather than User Exits, Pros:
-------------------------------------------

1. You do not need to relink or recompile the library you are accessing via
   FFI when you upgrade forms.  ORA_FFI locates and loads the code at
   runtime so there is no 'link' back to forms.
2. The Interface is pure PL/SQL and easier for programmers who have not
   used the relevant languages to hook into.  Bear in mind, however, that
   the interface is restricted to 'Simple' datatypes, structures and arrays
   cannot be passed to the external DLL at present.

Using ORA_FFI rather than User Exits Cons:
------------------------------------------
1. ORA_FFI is not available on all platforms
2. Due to the Loading an registering functions when calling a 3gl function 
   via ORA_FFI, the execution could be slower