Oracle PL/SQL 101 [Paperback]

Christopher Allen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 007212606X | ISBN-13: 978-0072126068 | Publication Date: December 1, 2000 | Edition: 1

This in-depth guide explains how to use SQL to work with data in a database, and how to automate complicated tasks using PL/SQL.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Not too long ago my lovely wife decided she wanted to learn more about SQL and Oracle. I thought that was a great idea, so I gave her the 3 or 4 books I had on SQL and PL/SQL, and we bought 2 or 3 more as time went on. By this time we had just about every major SQL book on the market. In the months that followed we both came to the conclusion that while the books contained lots of information, none of them seemed to be written for a beginner. Many assumed prior knowledge of SQL, Oracle, or a programming language like C++. They offered plenty of examples producing results that had no particular value, and many of the books jumped around from topic to topic without bringing everything together into a bigger picture that relates to normal work life.

What I present here is my best effort at explaining SQL and PL/SQL in a way that makes sense. I have worked to create examples that demonstrate not only how to use each feature, but also why. I’ve provided exercises that mirror the kinds of tasks you’ll be asked to accomplish if you make SQL and PL/SQL part of your work. And I’ve done my best to make the writing reasonably interesting to read, so your flame of interest in this fascinating topic stays burning.

All the best in your SQL endeavors,
Christopher Allen

From the Back Cover

Learn to use SQL and PL/SQL in your Oracle database.

Get step-by-step details on performing database tasks quickly and easily.

Oracle PL/SQL 101 explains how to use SQL to work with data in a database, and how to automate complicated tasks using PL/SQL. You¿ll learn by doing--each chapter contains hands-on exercises designed to teach the concepts presented. This easy-to-follow book starts with database basics and then teaches how to store, retrieve, and manipulate data, control SQL*Plus, create and use SQL functions, and write PL/SQL programs.

• Understand the key components of a database--tables, rows, records, columns, and fields

• Create database tables, indexes, and constraints

• Write SQL commands to insert, select, update, and delete data

• Perform advanced data manipulation

• Write complete PL/SQL functions and procedures

• Declare variables using anchored types

• Create PL/SQL packages

• Use triggers to enforce complex business rules and security measures

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007212606X
• ISBN-13: 978-0072126068
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #608,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Computers & Technology > Databases > Oracle

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for a newcomer to PL/SQL, January 23, 2001

By 

Hasnain (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oracle PL/SQL 101 (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading the PL/SQL 101 thoroughly, I have finished one complete reading of the book and now I am going through it the second time. I decided to buy this book after getting totally frustrated of asking others to help me with Oracle. I asked our dedicated Oracle DBA to show me how to create a simple table, it took me more than three months to chase her and could not get any result and one day I found out she was gone, then I bought the PL/SQL 101 and in chapter one the author explains the most basic way to get going.

Remember this is a 101 book, if you already know quite a bit of SQL, then this book might bore you. The title is perfect, and its readers should of that level.

I would like to thank the author for getting me hooked to Oracle and PL/SQL the easy way (Ofcourse there is no easy way, you still have to read and reread the book several times, and practice and practice).

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect introduction to Oracle PL/SQL, October 11, 2001

By 

Ron Truman (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oracle PL/SQL 101 (Paperback)

It's right there on the cover: Oracle PL/SQL. And that's what this book explains, from the very beginning. You can't learn PL/SQL without knowing SQL, so a substantial portion of the book covers SQL techniques that are necessary to write good PL/SQL code.

Each chapter has dozens of exercises, so by the end of the book you have worked through hundreds of experiments, samples, and exercises. It's all hands-on.

The sections on PL/SQL programming cover functions, procedures, packages, and triggers...all the tools you need to make Oracle dance to your tune.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent place to start for PL/SQL, September 5, 2001

By 

Philip R. Heath "Gadgets, Music, & Books" (DFW) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Oracle PL/SQL 101 (Paperback)

This is one of the best books that I've bought recently. I've been a programmer for 4 years, but I just recently started working with relational databases, specifically Oracle. This book is clear, concise, and very accessible. The writing style is very engaging, too. The author manages to present the material in a way that keeps your interest without sacraficing quality. Consequently, the book is fast to read, but of great value.

The chapter on using SQL*Plus is of great value. It helped me to more effective look at what is in our databases to get a feel for the results from the programs that I was testing.

After reading this book I felt like the author gave a solid overview of the PL/SQL language without being overly rigorous. If you are looking for an academic treatment with lots of theory, this is not the place. Those books are very import to broaden your understanding, but this book bridges the gap to make the advance texts accessible.

This is the place for Oracle beginners to get their hands dirty. There are plenty of examples that run throughout the book to demonstrate the concepts. As you work with PL/SQL and SQL*Plus, you will find yourself referring back to this book often as you come up to speed. It is definitely worth the money and the time.