Explain why cursor variables are easier to use than cursors

A cursor variable is actually a pointer pointing to a queries result set. Using a cursor variable, each time a new result set is created by a query, cursor variable can be used to point the same. This improves the performance and streamlines the code. Being a variable, you can easily pass it as a parameter to a function and use it in assignment operations.

Cursor variables are preferred over a cursor for following reasons:

A cursor variable is not tied to a specific query.
One can open a cursor variable for any query returning the right set of columns. Thus, more flexible than cursors.
A cursor variable can be passed as a parameter.
A cursor variable can refer to different work areas.

Oracle - Explain why cursor variables are easier to use than cursors - April 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Explain why cursor variables are easier to use than cursors.  

• They are easier to define as there is no need to specify a query statement.
• The query can also be specified dynamically at the opening time.
• Cursor variables are easier to open.
• Cursor variables can be passed into procedures or functions.

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