Minimize usage of utl_file_dir

I found a very good metalink note 206272.1 about utl_file package. They have recommended using CREATE DIRECTORY feature instead of using utl_file_dir directories which needs the DB to be bounced every time a new directory is added. Here's a copy paste from the note:

PURPOSE
Introduces the Oracle 9i Release 2 way of using the UTL_FILE package.

SCOPE & APPLICATION

This article is intended for programmers who are familiar with the usage of the
UTL_FILE package.

NEW METHOD OF USING UTL_FILE PACKAGE IN 9.2 9iR2

In the past(i.e. pre 9iR2), accessible directories for the UTL_FILE functions were specified in the initialization file using the UTL_FILE_DIR parameter. However ,UTL_FILE_DIR access is not recommended in 9iR2. It is recommended that you use the CREATE DIRECTORY feature, which replaces UTL_FILE_DIR. Directory objects offer more flexibility and granular control to the UTL_FILE application administrator, can be maintained dynamically (that is, without shutting down the database), and are consistent with other Oracle tools.CREATE DIRECTORY
privilege is granted only to SYS and SYSTEM by default.

EXAMPLE
-------
Step 1) Connect as sys

Step 2) Create a directory:

SQL> CREATE DIRECTORY log_dir AS 'C:\NEW';

Directory created.

Step 3) Grant read and write on the directory

SQL> grant read on directory log_dir to public;
SQL> grant write on directory log_dir to public;

Grant succeeded.

Step 4) Create function as a NON-SYS USER

SQL>CONNECT SCOTT/

create or replace function f1 return number is
v_output_file1 utl_file.file_type;
begin
v_output_file1 := utl_file.fopen('LOG_DIR', 'NEW.txt', 'a');
utl_file .put_line(v_output_file1, 'NATURE and Beauty');
utl_file.fclose_all;
return 1;
end;
/

Step 6) Create a bind variable

SQL>var x number

Step 7) Execute the function

SQL> exec :x:=f1;

PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.

NOTE
Care must be taken to use uppercase for the DIRECTORY object in the call to
utl_file.fopen, else you may encounter the ORA-29280: invalid directory path
error.

DBA_DIRECTORIES is the dictionary table which can give you details about all the directory objects created till now.

select directory_name,directory_path

from dba_directories;

The above query will give you the details of all directory object names and the paths associated with them.

There is no command called ALTER DIRECTORY yet. To modify a directory path you need to give the command:

CREATE OR REPLACE DIRECTORY directory_name as 'path'