 - In Oracle database management, PL/SQL is a procedural language extension to Structured Query Language (SQL). The
purpose of PL/SQL is to combine database language and procedural programming language. The basic
unit in PL/SQL is called a block, which is made up of three parts: a declarative part, an executable part, and an
exception-building part.
Because PL/SQL allows you to mix SQL statements with procedural constructs, it is possible to use PL/SQL blocks and
subprograms to group SQL statements before sending them to Oracle for execution. Without PL/SQL, Oracle must process
SQL statements one at a time and, in a network environment, this can affect traffic flow and slow down response time.
PL/SQL blocks can be compiled once and stored in executable form to increase response time.
A PL/SQL program that is stored in a database in compiled form and can be called by name is referred to as a stored procedure.
A PL/SQL stored procedure that is implicitly started when an INSERT, UPDATE or DELETE statement is issued against an associated table is called a trigger.
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21 Aug 2006
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