In which scenarios is DBMS_CLOUD.COPY_DATA typically used?

DBMS_CLOUD.COPY_DATA is specifically designed for loading data from external sources, typically located in cloud storage, directly into existing tables within an Oracle database. This functionality is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets that need to be ingested efficiently without manual intervention or extensive coding.

In scenarios where data needs to be imported from cloud object storage or another cloud service into an Oracle Autonomous Database or Oracle Database, DBMS_CLOUD.COPY_DATA automates the process of reading the data files and inserting the records into specified tables. It supports various file formats and provides options for configuring the import process, such as specifying delimiters and handling null values.

Other options do not align with the primary use case of DBMS_CLOUD.COPY_DATA. Backing up databases, copying files between instances, and listing available data files in cloud storage are functionalities better served by other tools and commands within Oracle's suite of database services. For example, backup operations typically involve using RMAN or Data Pump, and file copy operations may utilize other file transfer or data movement services.