PL/SQL

Procedural language extension to Structured Query Language

PL/SQL is a combination of SQL along with the procedural features of programming languages. It was developed by Oracle Corporation in the early 90's to enhance the capabilities of SQL. PL/SQL is one of three key programming languages embedded in the Oracle Database, along with SQL itself and Java. This tutorial will give you great understanding on PL/SQL to proceed with Oracle database and other advanced RDBMS concepts.

Features of PL/SQL

PL/SQL has the following features −

• PL/SQL is tightly integrated with SQL.
• It offers extensive error checking.
• It offers numerous data types.
• It offers a variety of programming structures.
• It supports structured programming through functions and procedures.
• It supports object-oriented programming.
• It supports the development of web applications and server pages.

Advantages of PL/SQL

PL/SQL has the following advantages −

• SQL is the standard database language and PL/SQL is strongly integrated with SQL. PL/SQL supports both static and dynamic SQL. Static SQL supports DML operations and transaction control from PL/SQL block. In Dynamic SQL, SQL allows embedding DDL statements in PL/SQL blocks.

•  PL/SQL allows sending an entire block of statements to the database at one time. This reduces network traffic and provides high performance for the applications.

•  PL/SQL gives high productivity to programmers as it can query, transform, and update data in a database.

•  PL/SQL saves time on design and debugging by strong features, such as exception handling, encapsulation, data hiding, and object-oriented data types.

•  Applications written in PL/SQL are fully portable.

•  PL/SQL provides high security level.

•  PL/SQL provides access to predefined SQL packages.

•  PL/SQL provides support for Object-Oriented Programming.

•  PL/SQL provides support for developing Web Applications and Server Pages.
  
  

  
  

   PL/SQL Tutorial