Bulk loading can apply to anything carrying a heavy load.
The term "bulk loading" is a term used in several contexts but its definition in each case is unique. Often you will find the term used to discuss web databases or film for cameras.
Film
Bulk loading film means no interruptions.
When referring to film for cameras, "bulk loading" is a term used to describe the storage of large amounts of film. Photographers keep this film in a bulk loading canister for easy access. Typically when a camera runs out of film, you must go to the store and buy another cartridge of film. Bulk loading allows you to reload your camera directly from a single bulk loading cartridge. Bulk loading film saves both time and money.
Oracle
Oracle and SQL Server 2000 bulk load data.
Bulk loading in the computer database Oracle allows you to load large amounts of data simultaneously from a single file using the Unix-level sqlldr command. To load data into a database you will do so row by row and column by column. Loading data this way is slow. Bulk loading in Oracle allows you to insert data rapidly. Whether you have 10 data entries or 10,000 data entries the time needed will be about the same. Bulk loading will insert all entries simultaneously.
SQL Server 2000
SQL Server 2000 streams data in real time.
SQL Server 2000 is a database server which allows the bulk loading of data from an XML file. This is similar to bulk loading using Oracle as both methods access large amounts of data. The main difference is the SQL Server 2000 uses an XML file to bulk load.
XML Bulk Loading
Bulk loading has common and uncommon meanings.
An XML file allows a computer user to create a set of guidelines which will encode digital files. SQL Server 2000 uses an XML file to load large quantities of data into an SQL Server Database. The main difference between Oracle and SQL Server 2000 bulk loading is that SQL Server 2000 allows the XML file to stream. Streaming XML provides a way to update the database in real-time. Each change to the XML file will reflect instantly on the server.
Conclusion
The words "bulk" and "load" are not uncommon. When used together there are many applications of such a phrase. When you load your groceries into the trunk of your car you are bulk loading groceries. Similarly, when you fill up your gas tank you could say that you are bulk loading gas. However, the use of the term in the previous two examples is uncommon. In the sections above you have learned the most common use of the term bulk loading.
Tags: Server 2000, bulk load, Bulk loading, bulk loading, large amounts, term used