 - 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 improve 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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Getting started with PL/SQL |
| To explore how the PL/SQL is used in the enterprise, here are some additional resources: |
| PL/SQL do's and don't's: Five questions with Steven Feuerstein: Get answers to important PL/SQL questions from a leading expert. The questions are based on his Collaborate '07 presentation titled "Ten things you should never in PL/SQL." |
| Oracle 11g: PL/SQL Basics: Want to brush up on your PL/SQL basics? This excerpt from "Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming" discusses control structures, database triggers, transaction scope and more. |
| Fast Guide: PL/SQL: This comprehensive PL/SQL guide is great for both beginners and experts. Find PL/SQL tips, expert responses and resources on SearchOracle.com and from around the Web. |
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Learn more about Using Oracle PL/SQL |
| Fast Guide: PL/SQL: This PL/SQL tutorial can help both newbies and veterans become better acquainted with the Oracle development language and hone their developer skills. |
| SQL guide for Oracle users: Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned expert looking to tweak query performance, this learning guide to the structured query language (SQL) has something for you. These seven chapters can help you ... |
| SELECT statement syntax and examples: In this chapter, learn how to use the SELECT statement with SELECT statement examples, including the basics of the SELECT statement syntax. |
| Stored procedures in PL/SQL: Learn about Oracle PL/SQL stored procedures, such as the stored procedure definition and stored procedure examples in this PL/SQL tutorial for beginners and experts. |
| PL/SQL functions and triggers in Oracle: Learn about using Oracle PL/SQL functions and triggers, such as how to import a trigger and how and when to use a PL/SQL function in this PL/SQL tutorial. |
| PL/SQL datatypes in Oracle: Learn about PL/SQL datatypes in Oracle, and learn the definitions of BLOB, CLOB, DATE, VACHAR2 and more in this PL/SQL tutorial for beginners and experts. |
| Oracle PL/SQL tutorial: Learn how to define PL/SQL in Oracle and understand basic PL/SQL definitions and terms in this PL/SQL tutorial for beginners and experts. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
03 Oct 2008
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