Learning Oracle PL/SQL [Paperback]

Bill Pribyl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0596001800 | ISBN-13: 978-0596001803 | Edition: 1

PL/SQL, Oracle's programming language for stored procedures, delivers a world of possibilities for your database programs. PL/SQL supplements the standard relational database language, SQL, with a wide range of procedural features, including loops, IF-THEN statements, advanced data structures, and rich transactional control--all closely integrated with the Oracle database server.

Knowing where to start with Oracle's procedural language is not always obvious to a newcomer, especially considering the language's feature set and the sheer size of the official documentation (not to mention Oracle's ever-increasing number of pre-built PL/SQL programs). But Learning Oracle PL/SQL offers the signposts and guidance you need to come up to speed on the language, delivered in a manageable number of pages while covering all the essentials.

Topics include:

• PL/SQL--what is it, and why use it? Why use PL/SQL instead of Java?
• Syntax and examples of all core language constructs
• Creating, using, and reusing stored procedures, functions, and packages
• Building web-based applications using PL/SQL features available "out of the box" (such as PL/SQL Server Pages)
• Securing PL/SQL programs against attack
• Benefits of third-party developer tools and integrated development environments
• Connecting PL/SQL to email, Java, and the Internet

Meticulously crafted with all-new examples downloadable from examples.oreilly.com/learnoracle, the book addresses language features available in all versions of Oracle, from Oracle7 to Oracle8i to Oracle9i.

Learning Oracle PL/SQL was written by PL/SQL experts Bill Pribyl and Steven Feuerstein, whose easy-to-read style and attention to detail has made other O'Reilly books (such as the bestselling Oracle PL/SQL Programming) very popular among Oracle developers worldwide. Learning Oracle PL/SQL is meant for a wide range of target audiences, including both beginning programmers and those already experienced with other programming languages. Whether you are a new developer, a crossover programmer from another database system, or a new database administrator who needs to learn PL/SQL, this book will get you well on your way. It is the perfect introduction to Oracle PL/SQL Programming, also by Pribyl and Feuerstein.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill Pribyl, author, teacher, and software consultant,is the primary author of Learning Oracle PL/SQL and the coauthor of Oracle PL/SQL Programming and its companion pocket reference, all published by O'Reilly & Associates. An Oracle user since 1986, Bill has consulted on many aspects of using Oracle products. He recently spearheaded PLNet.org, a Web-based repository where developers can share open source PL/SQL.

Steven Feuerstein is considered one of the world's leading experts on the Oracle PL/SQL language. He is the author or coauthor of Oracle PL/SQL Programming, Oracle PL/SQL Best Practices, Oracle PL/SQL Programming: Guide to Oracle8i Features, Oracle PL/SQL Developer's Workbook, Oracle Built-in Packages, Advanced Oracle PL/SQL Programming with Packages, and several pocket reference books (all from O'Reilly & Associates). Steven is a Senior Technology Advisor with Quest Software, has been developing software since 1980, and worked for Oracle Corporation from 1987 to 1992.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596001800
• ISBN-13: 978-0596001803
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #587,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Computers & Technology > Databases > Oracle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful intro to PL/SQL, February 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Learning Oracle PL/SQL (Paperback)

A book doesn't have to cover advanced material and tricks from gurus to be great. There are only a handful of really good Oracle books, and this is one. It takes the beginner through the important features of PL/SQL, and uses an example application that you build as you go along.

The organization is great and the writing is crystal clear. It doesn't just cover syntax. It also explains when and why you'd want to use various PL/SQL features.

If you're a radical C++ coding genius, maybe you want one of the other O'Reilly books on PL/SQL. On the other hand, if you've tried some other books that deal with PL/SQL and found they didn't provide the background, explanations and programming strategies you need, try this book. The authors are talented PL/SQL experts, and their presentation of the subject is great.

This book is not a slap-dash effort to write a quick book. It's a solid, quality book. If you have some exposure to Oracle but have never developed PL/SQL skills, you'll like this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best intros to PL/SQL, March 12, 2002

By 

ueberhund "ueberhund" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Learning Oracle PL/SQL (Paperback)

Learning Oracle PL/SQL is one of the best books I have read on learning this subject. This book has a little for everyone: you'll learn something if you know the basics of SQL, but have never really done anything with it. You'll also learn something if you've had a lot of experience with Microsoft SQLServer (and T-SQL), but are looking to transition you knowledge to Oracle PL/SQL.

You'll learn about coding anonymous blocks, stored procedures, functions, and packages. You will learn how to write and use cursors, how to organize code into packages, Oracle security basics, Oracle built in packages, and error handling. The book also covers some basics of using SQL*Plus, to make your life a little easier.

If you need a relatively small (less than 400 pages) introduction to Oracle PL/SQL, then this is definitely a book you will want to pick up. If you need more in-depth information after reading this book, pick up the authors' other book Oracle PL/SQL.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, November 27, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Learning Oracle PL/SQL (Paperback)

I've been a self taught Oracle PL/SQL developer for two years, so I was sceptical on reading a "Learning" book. After reading the first few chapters I was able to make improvements to my PL/SQL programs. It was definitely worth the time and money. The examples are well written and simple enough to make sense, but not too simple that they are "duh" type examples. I also liked the fact that the book explains how to set up and use Oracle/Apache to make PSP pages (Stored Procedures that generate web content). The PSP section makes up a good portion of the book that I didn't know was in it before I got it. With plenty of real-world experience tips, a section on tools and security, it will be a while before I have this ingrained and used on a daily basis. I defiantly got more than I was looking for.