Processing a text file from PL/SQL vs Java

Question

I need to implement a store procedure in an Oracle database that will do the following:

• Read an external file that needs to be processed (extract data from file and validate)
• Call another store procedure in the database in charge to validate/insert the data.
• Manage exceptions.
• Write to another file with the results of the operations executed.

I know I can do all these things with PL/SQL or Java (store procedure), but which will be more efficient/faster or better? most of the operations are reading/writing a file, and the database operations are done in a store procedure already.

I have read other posts about PL/SQL vs Java (like this and this) but none talks about this.

Answer 1

I would never want to use a SQL dialect, no matter how versatile it may be, to do anything outside the DB. I would do what you're trying to do preferably in a shell or perl script, to use the lowest common denominator, although Java is OK, just perhaps a bit too sophisticated for a job this simple. But if Java is all you have or know how to use, then go for it.