Metadata API in Oracle9i by Daniel T. Liu

"Prior to Oracle9i, there are two popular methods to extract metadata from data dictionary. The first method involves querying the data dictionary using SQL statements. The second method involves running Export with ROWS=N, then running Import with SHOW=Y. Oracle9i introduces a new Metadata API (DBMS_METADATA package). It allows database users to easily retrieve complete database object definitions (metadata) from the data dictionary." writes Daniel T. Liu in this DBAZine.com article.