Product Description
The traditional division of labor between the database (which only stores and manages SQL and XML data for fast, easy data search and retrieval) and the application server (which runs application or business logic, and presentation logic) is obsolete. Although the books primary focus is on programming the Oracle Database, the concepts and techniques provided apply to most RDBMS that support Java including Oracle, DB2, Sybase, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. This is the first book to cover new Java, JDBC, SQLJ, JPublisher and Web Services features in Oracle Database 10g Release 2 (the coverage starts with Oracle 9i Release 2). This book is a must-read for database developers audience (DBAs, database applications developers, data architects), Java developers(JDBC, SQLJ, J2EE, and OR Mapping frameworks), and to the emerging Web Services assemblers.

* Describes pragmatic solutions, advanced database applications, as well as provision of a wealth of code samples
* Addresses programming models which run within the database as well as programming models which run in middle-tier or client-tier against the database.
* Discusses languages for stored procedures: when to use proprietary languages such as PL/SQL and when to use standard languages such as Java; also running non-Java scripting languages in the database
* Describes the Java runtime in the Oracle database 10g (i.e., OracleJVM), its architecture, memory management, security management, threading, Java execution, the Native Compiler (i.e., NCOMP), how to make Java known to SQL and PL/SQL, data types mapping, how to call-out to external Web components, EJB components, ERP frameworks, and external databases.
* Describes JDBC programming and the new Oracle JDBC 10g features, its advanced connection services (pooling, failover, load-balancing, and the fast database event notification mechanism) for clustered databases (RAC) inGrid environments.
* Describes SQLJ programming and the latest Oracle SQLJ 10g features , contrasting it with JDBC
* Describes the latest Database Web services features, Web services concepts and Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) for DBA, the database as Web services provider and the database as Web services consumer.
* Abridged coverage of JPublisher 10g, a versatile complement to JDBC, SQLJ and Database Web Services. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Rating the Reviewers
I have read all the Amazon reviews for this book, which I have purchased, but not yet completed reading.In brief, its content is excellent, but its English is weak and nonstandard.

It is noteworthy that all of the Amazon 5* reviews employ broken, marginal English, while those of less than 5* rating, save for this one, employ readable English.

This book is worth buying only if your tolerance of Third World English is high.Frankly, it reflects (not represents) the current state of the IT profession.Walk into most IT shops and written English capability is at 3rd, 4th grade level.Once upon a time, badly formulated English was verboten in professional ranks.Now, it is normal.Once upon a time, badly formulated English was absolutely verboten in publication ranks.Now, even publishers bastardize English, and think nothing of it.A sorry state of affairs.

Credit to the author for a book with valuable content.Zero credit to the publisher for complete negligence in failing to edit.

Needs complete revision
I have 2 bookcases filled with computer science and engineering texts.This is by far the worst of all of them... as far as the writing is concerned.The grammar is horrible.Obviously no spell check was used.Some books require reading sections a couple of times, just because the concepts are difficult to grasp.This book requires re-reading of sections just because the wording is so poor, despite the concepts being fairly straight-forward.On the positive side, the book presents lots of useful ideas and practical examples.

Outstanding
I've been doing Oracle database-related application design and development since before Java even existed.As time progressed, Java became more and more prevalent in the Enterprise environment, web servers became application servers, and before you knew it, Java was being run right in the database.

It has always been difficult and confusing to figure out the various Java technologies and tools and implementations when it comes to a complete Enterprise system... until now.

Kuassi does a remarkable job of providing keen and detailed insight into all aspects of Java in the Oracle Database realm.

A nice, logical technical progression as well as very detailed code samples make this book useful for those wishing to introduce themselves to the basic concepts, or write a specific implementation.

The detailed case studies that show real code used in real world solutions are invaluable.(We've already implemented one of them for a new project we're starting on!)

All in all, it's an excellent book and should be on the shelf of any DBA/Developer that has anything to do with Java in their environment.

Nice but Incomplete
This book has a good deal of information that is accessible. However, several coding examples are incomplete and in some cases misleading. Given the strengths of the book, they are probably oversights or space limitations. The missing code segments are too frequently in the wrong places.

The code examples predominate the book. Hidden gems are nested where readers only find them searching out topics. On a bright note, the index is good at locating what is in the book.

For Java programmers looking to exploit Oracle, indeed!
I've been programming in C++, Corba and Java for years and was looking for a book to develop agaisnt the Oracle database. First of all this book is well written and at a glance, it covers all the API and utilities that a Java developer may use to exploit the Oracle database including Java in the database, JDBC, SQLJ, JPublisher and Database Web services ( Corba folks like myselfwill love the Web services part). You will be amazed reading through this book all the possibilities that Java in the database allows ; the Groovy and Jython stored procedures are just well presented. I am right now digging into Part-II dedicated to JDBC, the Rowset API, RAC support, etc. This book will provide great career advancement opportunities. I strongly recommend this book to my Java developers fellows. ... Read more

Product Description
Ray Terrill's Python Programming with Oracle Database is a detailed exploration of the ways in which the Python programming language can be used to interact with the Oracle Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). As evidenced by the table of contents, the book covers the broad spectrum of Python/Oracle interactions, including standard SQL, PL/SQL, connecting as a SYSDBA user, and object-oriented database interactions. The book also takes time to provide primer sections for both the Python programming language and the Oracle Database, in the hopes of facilitating an easier learning experience for beginners to either discipline. This book provides information and examples not available in any other Python book. The examples are detailed enough to provide a solid understanding of the topics they're meant to reinforce, while being explained in thorough detail to ensure comprehension of key concepts. There is little doubt that the book will quickly pay for itself, as the reader stands to add valuable skills to their technical arsenal through the material covered throughout in each of the chapters. Topics covered in the book: Installation of Python/Required Software Modules; Python Introduction; Oracle Introduction; Using SQL with Python to Interact with Oracle; Performing DBA Tasks with the Oracle Database Using Python; Using PL/SQL with Python; Using an Object-Relational Mapper to Connect Python and Oracle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I hope second edition will be better!
Hands down this book deserves to be on the bookshelf of python & Oracle professional for one reason only - it's the only book that is trying to cover cx_Oracle in a systematic way. So why I gave only one star?
Out of 174 pages only 64 pages are truly dealing with the subject. It's closer to a white paper than a book -- python and Oracle introduction sections are pure filers in this book and should be completely removed in second edition. (This is handicap of most python related books, even the ones that are covering some specific area - they all waste trees for light and in many ways useless introduction sections.)
Instead another 150-200 "filer-free" pages dedicated to cx_Oracle and perhaps (less importantly) object relational mapper could be written instead.
Chapter 6 also needs a complete re-done -- simple HMTM report?, DDL source extract?,Cold backup script? would perhaps wow some DBA's in mid 90's. Common Ray I know you can do better than that! Oracle DBA who is writing his/her own cold backup scripts nowadays (even with python;-), should be fired at spot (the same is true for HTML report and DDL source extract scripts). I know that author intention was to show cx_Oracle usage and not to teach Oracle best practices, but picking some better examples than that would certainly appeal to more professionals (for example some tuning related visualization with matplotlib, some security checking routines, various trace files analyzes etc.).
On the technical part the book looks unprofessional thanks to white on black bitmap screen shots with code samples. Readability depends on (re)sizing factor of pictures, some code examples are barely readable. Common? Publisher should seriously rethink about their DTP skills and techniques.
Despite my harsh review I believe such book (Oracle - Python), if prepared as if it's not a school paper, is something that we badly need (I'm, sure Catherine Devlin help on this front would pay off ;-). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Professional DBA and design base -- well written --
Good book for the professional who wants to get thorough training and a solid grounding in the concepts and algorithms of high-quality database implementation.This book have been around for about ten years with improvements coming steadily.Navathe trained several of the Ph.D.'s who populate core RDBMS development at Oracle Corporation.Top Gun, as it were.Both he and Elmasri are smooth and entertaining writers.

The legitimate reference for Oracle begineers and Masters.
FDS, Oracle Programming 8.0, Oracle 8i is the state of the art book after Elmasari & Navathe's "Fundamentals of Database System" which helps to build up and groom your DATABASE Concepts.By FundamentalsDatabase Systems, Oracle Programming 8.0, Oracle 8i, one can orient and getthe confidence to work with one of the most successful DBMS--Oracle 8iwhich is going with same pace of Internet Development. ... Read more

Product Description

Topics covered: How to use Oracle PL/SQL in all its manifestations through Oracle9i. Fundamentals of program structure (loops, cases, exceptions, etc.) and execution get attention, as do data types, transaction management, triggers, and the object-oriented aspects of the language. There's also coverage of calls to external Java and C programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (94)

Kindle Edition not the latest
Amazon sais that this kindle book includes 11g features, but it does not! The kindle edition is the 4th edition, including 10g features.

Oracle PL/SQL Programming: Covers Versions Through Oracle Database 11g Release 2 (Animal Guide)
With the exception of the first edition, I have purchase all others that Steve has published. Not bad for a self-confessed newby programmer. Just kidding. It is the one book I would want if I were stuck on a desert island. Of course, for a lack of firewood, well sorry Steve; we have to do what we have to do.

I have been a professional PL/SQL programmer since the mid-eighties. On one job, an earlier edition made me a hero. Today, I program for the US Army Aeromedical establishment, so I serve the heros and proud of it. My one and only PL/SQL book I keep at my side is this book. Steve, keep up the good work. It would not hurt my feelings if you wrote a book on the practical side of PL/SQL for DBAs as I find myself involved in DDL work 1/3 of my project life cycle so scripts and hints would always be welcomed.I do have a copy of Donald Burleson's DBA Scripts affectionately known as Code Depot and I take nothing away from Donald, but I enjoy the format used in the Oracle PL/SQL; it is the best even though it is just my opinion.

The "all you want to know" PL/SQL reference book
If you're looking for a book that can be your reference for every doubt you may have in PL/SQL programming, its syntax and constructions, that's the book for you. The examples are very clear and easy to understand. The author uses examples in both ways, before applying a certain functionality and after applying it, which makes comprehension much better. In case I had no PL/SQL book so far, I wouldn't waste my time buying other ones. There is only one cons: the size and weight of this book. It's not something you'll like to carry in your backpack everyday, but keeping in your shelf as a handy reference book.

Very comprehensive and thorough but heavy
It covers PL/SQL very well with many practical examples that can be readily used. The topics are comprehensive and the explanations are very clear. One problem: it's way to heavy to hold and read. I wish there is a Kindle version or eBook.

Next best thing to being in a class
If you need to learn about PL/SQL this book is the next best thing to actually being in a class. It answered so many questions and was a huge help to me. ... Read more

Product Description
Design Feature-Rich PL/SQL Applications

Deliver dynamic, client/server PL/SQL applications with expert guidance from an Oracle programming professional. With full coverage of the latest features and tools, Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming lays out each topic alongside detailed explanations, cut-and-paste syntax examples, and real-world case studies. Access and modify database information, construct powerful PL/SQL statements, execute effective queries, and deploy bulletproof security. You'll also learn how to implement C, C++, and Java procedures, Web-enable your database, cut development time, and optimize performance.

• Create, debug, and manage Oracle-driven PL/SQL programs
• Use PL/SQL structures, delimiters, operators, variables, and statements
• Identify and eliminate errors using PLSQL_WARNINGS and exception handlers
• Work with functions, procedures, packages, collections, and triggers
• Define and deploy varray, nested table, and associative array data types
• Handle external routines, object types, large objects, and secure files
• Communicate between parallel sessions using DBMS_ALERT and DBMS_PIPE
• Call external procedures through Oracle Net Services and PL/SQL wrappers
• Integrate internal and server-side Java class libraries using Oracle JVM
• Develop robust Web applications using PL/SQL Gateway and Web Toolkit

Customer Reviews (13)

Need to find a better book.
This is probably one of the worst books you can find for Oracle 11g PL/SQL. With so many typos all over the book, Reading this is not going to be very pleasant. The author could have tried to save the reader's time by avoiding redundant information. For instance he explains about CLOB in few pages and when he comes to explain BLOB, it's just Copy paste CLOB explanation, Find the word 'CLOB' and replace with 'BLOB'. Though this book is not meant to help you pass the Oracle PL/SQL exam, I guess a good technical book should have exercises, but this one does not. The irony is this one of the very few books available for Oracle 11g PL/SQL programming.

Full Of Incomplete Information And Full Of Errors
This book is full of coding errors and incomplete descriptions of the tasks required to implement PL/SQL.I think the author assumes that the reader already knows a lot about PL/SQL.In addition, there are many code and text errors. I do not know the other people who gave this book such glowing reviews, but most of them must have some previous knowledge of PL/SQL and have learned to accept the fact that many publishing companies do not take the required steps to insure the accuracy of their texts.This is the first time I purchased a book from Oracle Press. And maybe the last.

Not very helpful for OCP preparation
I have been working with PL/SQL for several years and I am now preparing for an OCP exam. I find the style of McLaughlin's book not well suited for exam preparations. Some parts of the text are a bit confusing, occasionally he introduces terms without explaining them, on the other hand he presents the same definitions multiple times in every new section. Lot of important details are never mentioned while some rarely used features get a lot of attention. Also the examples are not all error free. I have put this book aside and use for my preparations the slightly dated "OCP Developer PL/SQL Program Units Exam Guide" from Steve O'Heran. This book is much better suited for an exam preparation. I will only look up the new features in McLaughlin's book.

GREAT book!!
This is the first technical/computing book that I have ever read cover to cover.
In fact I read this book cover to cover with multiple iterations of chapters that were difficult for me (e.g., Chapter 6 Functions and Procedures, Chapter 8 Large Objects, Chapter 13, External Procedures, Chapter 14 Object Types and the PHP/Java Primers in Appendices C and D, respectively).
I have been a PL/SQL Developer for over 6 years.
I thought I was doing pretty well but it turns out I was doing a limited number ofthings in my development experience over and over again. The ease with which I was writing functions and procedures, organizing the same in packages and utilizing a very few of the more advanced features like BULK COLLECT and BULK UPDATE was a deceptive set of convenient facts: Thanks to this book I now know how much I didn't know and I have a more than vague feeling that even now my ship is still relatively close to shore. There is much more the the "sea of PL/SQL", if you'll allow me that much of a poetic license!
I was particularly surprised to find out how little I knew about Oracle functions after having written so many over the years. Pipelined functions? I had never heard of them! Creation options? Eh...those either! I did not know you could used mixed notation to make a call to a procedure with multiple parameters.
The book has some typographical/copy and paste-type issues which threw me off in the beginning. It's likely not the book as much as it is my personality: I'm a classically trained musician from another life (a MUCH younger life) so you can imagine that I might be predisposed to being a stickler for details.
In the end, I finished this book because it was thorough, clear, deep (the way I like it!) and had great continuity (I am easily confused so this is important to me!).
One of the most frustrating parts of reading techinical books for me has been when the book begins an example, abandons the example and then starts a new one without the author saying something to the effect of, "In this *new* example..." or "I'll use a different example to demonstrate...".
The examples in this book are so continuous that those statements are never even needed.
Mr. McLaughlin very courteously (in my opinion) allows readers to benefit from a well-thought plan (apparently!) of moving smoothly from one technical issue to the next by extending an already developed example. I find this feature to be very reassuring and conducive to quick learning. I mean, code is hard enough to read by itself; much more so when the context of the code switches from page to page or randomly 2,3,4 or 5 pages into an issue.
The way Mr. McLaughlin makes use of code examples in this book is very helpful, too, because it allows the reader to better understand how one technical issue is related to another. As an example: how to use Virtual Directories is included in the chapter on Large Objects. Now, one wouldn't necessarily *only* use Virtual Directories with Large Objects, but it does make sense, and having the subject placed there helps me understand the most common (I assume) real-world application of Virtual Directories.
I would say that this has been an excellent resource for me as a cover-to-cover read and I have already used it as a reference manual so I am sure it works well in that way also.
I hope your experience with this book is as good as mine has been.
Many congratulations and my deepest appreciation to this author!
My first technical book ever!
This is a huge accomplishment for me (and the author!)!!.

Awesome
Really good book. Details all the basics and more advanced topics of Pl/SQL. Great read. ... Read more

Product Description
Create dynamic client/server applications using PL/SQL and the comprehensive information contained in this authoritative volume. Expert Oracle insiders cover the features of PL/SQL, explain scripting semantics and syntax, and fully detail the PL/SQL functionality of Oracle Database 10g. You’ll learn how to write powerful PL/SQL programs, interact with Oracle databases, perform complex calculations, and handle error conditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Extremely poorly written book.
This is A poorly written book. The programming examples used in the book are not explained in any detail. For instance, in Chapters 3 and 4, it uses functions and procedures and other objects without providing any explanation for the benefit of those new to PL/SQL programming. I really don't understand how could a such a book be written. In places, even the naming scheme is confusing and requires an effort to comprehend. For someone who is starting out with PL/SQL programming, I definitely would not recommend this book.

Link to the online examples not found in book ...
I read through the first 5 chapters of this book and did not find the link to the examples. On page 18 there's an entire paragraph or two that talks about the online examples.But does not provide a link to them.I was able to find the examples by googling for one of the source file names.I've provided the link below. Hope it saves someone the time of having to search like I did. [...]

Comprehensive
I "subscribe" to this author and publisher for texts on this topic.I like the writing style and layout of the book.There enough explanation to be thorough, and enough practical examples to be useful outside of pure theoretical discussion.Plus, there are plenty of references in the appendix, so those pages are essentially a "Nutshell."

However, I think I prefer the layout of the 9i edition.The flow was nicer:a structured outline, then some examples.In the 10g edition, the flow seems to have changed:a briefer description in paragraph form, then a lot more examples.

Not written by educators...Obviously
Let me start by stating that I agree with Frank N. Loreti's review of this book, and one part in particular: this book was not written by educators.And I would like to add that they don't seem to be terribly good writers, either.

Some examples from the first three chapters (plus one page of chapter 4) to illustrate my point:

On page 72, it reads: "Boolean variables, when combined with an IF-THEN block, do not need to be provided with a comparison value if only comparing to TRUE."First, Boolean variables aren't "combined" with an IF-THEN, they are *used* as part of the [Boolean] condition of the IF-THEN.And second, writing that they don't need to be provided is, educationally speaking, not very wise; it suggests that it's a specific feature of the language, a short cut if you will, when in fact it's a mere consequence of how the evaluation of Boolean expressions work.

On pages 108 and 109, I think it's a glaring omission that the writers don't mention whether the PL/SQL CASE statement uses 'fall-thru' or not.For several reasons, I don't expect this to be the case, but if it's not used, how is the 'CASE with different variables' treated?In other words, in the example at the bottom of page 109, is only Steve printed, or all names?Come to think of it: in the example before it, what happens if the conditions in the CASE overlap? (E.g., change the second WHEN-condition to
v_price BETWEEN 30 AND 50
What happens then if v_price equals 35?Will only the first WHEN-statement block be executed?Will both be executed?Will an exception be thrown?Less likely, but not impossible: maybe a compile-time error is given?)It's hard for me to understand how any decent programmer can overlook the fact that these 'details' need to be discussed.

On page 110, loops are discussed: "We cover three different types here: Simple loops.The most basic kind of loop, they include LOOP, END LOOP, and some method of EXIT."Since 'different types' of loops are discussed, the plurality in 'Simple loops' suggests that there are several types of simple loops --and it seems they are called the 'LOOP', and 'END LOOP'... or something.Of course, this is not the case: there's only one type of simple loop.It starts with the keyword LOOP which is followed by a statement block that may/should contain an EXIT statement, and it ends with the keywords END LOOP.

You don't have to be a professional writer to sense that you can't end a section with a couple of bullet points (just like, apparently and unfortunately, you can't end a chapter without a useless summary) so you'll need at least an extra line of text, but unfortunately the writers of this book don't have the finesse to cross that bridge unnoticed.For example, at the beginning of chapter 4 a list of topics for that chapter is given in bullet points, followed by the following recommendation:

"As these features are demonstrated, think about how they can be used to improve the functionality, performance and design of your applications."

It's suggestions like these that simply make my toes curl.

Add to all this the absence of a decent structure (the books keeps jumping from simple features to advanced features and back, fragmenting the explanation of both), and the authors should consider themselves lucky I'm still giving this book 3 stars...

Best Choice
When I started studing PL/SQL...
I got recommanded this book.
Now I satisfied my choice because of contents of this book.
I recommand this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Ramp Up Your PL/SQL Programming Skills

Master PL/SQL through the hands-on exercises, extensive examples, and real-world projects inside this Oracle Press guide. Filled with best practices, Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming Workbook covers all the latest features and enhancements of the language. Mastery checks at the end of each chapter reinforce the material covered, and sample code from the book is available for download. Even experienced Oracle professionals will benefit from this practical resource.

• Understand the Oracle development architecture and the mechanics of connections
• Work with data types, structures, blocks, cursors, and PL/SQL semantics
• Write, deploy, and use functions, procedures, and packages
• Manage transactions and more
• Use dynamic SQL statements in real-world applications
• Support online transaction processing and data warehousing applications with external tables
• Find syntax samples and best practices to solve problems
• Write, deploy, and use object types

For a complete list of Oracle Press titles, visit www.OraclePressBooks.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Oracle Developer, you need this book!
This book is essential for Oracle veteran and beginner alike.It wraps all the best practices and new features into an easy to read, example laden, treasure of insight into PL/SQL on 11g.A must for all.It is like having a friend who is ready when you need him to point out the new, give you an example, and teach you the pit falls and best practices that you may not think of otherwise.

Review for Oracle Database 11g PL/SQL Programming Workbook
Product is perfect for folks who have used PL/SQL for years as a refresher and way to catch up on/practice the art of PL/SQL as well as see whats new! ... Read more

Product Description

Expert Oracle Database Architecture: 9i and 10g Programming Techniques and Solutions is the definitive book if you're a developer or DBA who works with Oracle-driven database applications. This fully revised edition covers both the 9i and 10g versions. It also comes with a CD containing a searchable PDF of the 8i version of the book.

One of the world's foremost Oracle experts, Thomas Kyte covers every important feature and function of the database: the importance, inner workings, proper usage, and pitfalls if handled incorrectly. This book will show you how to program correctly with the Oracle database and exploit its feature-set effectively. As a result, you will be able to build fast, effective, scalable, and secure Oracle applications.

Customer Reviews (33)

Great Book for Develoepr & DBA
This book explains basic & advance about Oracle database and He wrote about his experience, that's great ;)
I suggest Oracle Developer & DBA read this book. I believe this book is helpful...

One of the best book of Oracle DB
Hallo,
this book is the base book for every programmer in oracle, which explains the main architecture principles of this DB system by intelligible language of Tom Kyte, the Oracle guru.
Jarda

recommended but flawed
I recommend this book, more so if you are new to industrial strength relational databases of today (keeping in mind this review is in June 2009) and if you are new to Oracle. My main complaint is that the author spends too much time paying the "faint praise" to Microsoft SQL Server which spoils the book and fills up extra pages. I think the author should have concentrated on just Oracle 9/10 and left the competitive/comparison talk to Oracle sales (which I get download for free) - in context of this book it is not relevant. BTW, much of what the author says about SQL Server is not correct or no longer correct since release of SQL 2005 in CY2005, and SQL Server 2008 in CY2008. I hope the next edition of this book only talks about Oracle and how it works and leaves the other databases out.

must read for Oracle user
This is THE best book for anyone who uses Oracle. I've read it several times. And I still learn from reading it. I couldn't find anything better. Well, the document is thorough (good for reference), but too damn long to read from cover to cover.

Must Have Book For Anyone Oracle
If you work with the Oracle database, or write software that utilizes the Oracle database, you must read this book and apply the knowledge therein to utilize the database to its highest potential. The majority of developers would probably learn a lot about Oracle just by reading through the first chapter. I would recommend anyone who assumes the database is a black box simply to store data to read this book if they want to effectively use Oracle.

This book is not a "how-to" or a "check your syntax" reference manual, but I find myself going back to it time after time for answers concerning design, or production problems that I have encountered. I think the book acts as this sort of reference inherently because of the nature of the author's step by step detail of each problem domain. For example, in the chapter on concurrency and multi-versioning, the author is explaining Oracle's read consistency model. In the code examples, he shows you how to quickly and easily prove exactly how Oracle works by giving the code sample to open one session, perform tasks, then open another session and perform tasks to see for yourself exactly what happens in different scenarios. You can believe what he says in this book is true, simply because he puts the code right in front of you, and even provides all of the code samples from the book online for free on the Apress website.

The author provides in this book details on all aspects of Oracle database. You get a full explanation of the architecture of the database system itself, to behavior of the database such as locking, concurrency, transactional controls. After you understand what the database does, the book goes into details of how to use it. A typical Oracle book, including the Oracle reference, will just give you the options that you have, for example, listing the types of tables that are available for use. What this book does is give you complete detailed analysis of each implementation, along with examples and common pitfalls. It will help you choose the right tool for each implementation.

This is not a DBA handbook! Kyte often writes something to the effect of "but I don't want to get into the details of the DBA world". While it is not a detailed reference or handbook for DBAs, it still provides the best overview of the Oracle database that I have read anywhere, and would do all DBA's a favor to read it.

Of all the books in the pile on my desk, this one stays near the top!
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (56)

The right balance
It's always refreshing to see a book with such a nice balance of theory and practice: the topic of databases is so huge that even an introduction of this size merely scratches the surface. I had a previous 'on-the-run' experience of SQL querying before tackling this book, but I've always felt that something was deeply missing. Studying this book, and the classical literature it references, began to make everything crystal-clear! The text does not shy away from explaining core theoretical concepts, which was essential in understanding why every topic was the way it is. Thankfully, there were also a great number of examples following any newly presented formalization or theory, making the material very approachable.

The discussions were relatively self-contained, leading to an uninterrupted understanding flow: topics like topological sorting, total order, complete set of algebraic operations, soundness and completeness, axioms, BNF, btrees, and hashes were very briefly explained throughout the text as the need arose. On another topic, the 'selected bibliography' sections at the end of each chapter were simply superb, making this guide an _excellent_ secondary source to the field literature.

The book was generally rigorous, but it had a noticeable number of un-proven sprinkled statements in-between. Thinking about and proving such statements made the study very stimulating; in fact, the concepts sticked much better that way cause of the extra mental effort invested! Examples of stated, but un-proven, topics included: classical relational algebra's recursive queries infeasibility (Ch-6: Relational algebra), some presented techniques for optimizing I/O performance of the nested-loop join (Ch-15: query optimization), 'conflict serializability' of two-phase locking (Ch-18: Concurrency control), various properties of the two-phase locking variants (Ch-17: Transaction theory, and Ch-18), deadlock avoidance of various presented locking protocols (Ch-18), and so on. Depending on your time and focus, it may be an advantage or a disadvantage.

I reserve one star for _two_ important reasons: (1) the book is very pricy; no matter how good the book is, reading the field's original literature was essential for context and deeper understanding; with such a price, Pearson should've attached a CD-ROM covering the most important cited papers; in fact, something like SIGMOD Anthology two DVD-ROMs (covering most of DB research in the past 3 decades) is an essential complement to the text, especially for those of us with no access to complete libraries. (2) some chapters, particulalry chapter 12 and chapters 25-30, feels like being there to fill more paper; their different tone is noticeable and irritating.

Finally, it's important to note that this review is only based on a careful study of the _5th_ edition Parts 1 through 5 (IMHO, the book heart), covering mainly the relational model, SQL, conceptual modeling, DB deisgn, normalization, low-level data storage, query optimization, transaction processing, and concurrency control. The rest of the book (object databases and emerging research) was skimmed, so this review is not very representative of such parts. All in all, this book was a very worthwhile investment.

Great Reference, Bad Introduction
I had this book for my introduction to database systems class. This book is, as described by many other reviewers, a comprehensive book with a strong emphasis on theory. The terse writing style and encyclopedic range of topics makes this an excellent review of database information. However, for exactly the same reasons, this serves as a terrible introduction for beginners.

When learning something new the best tools one can have to work with are multiple different descriptions, diagrams, examples, and analogies. Diagrams could be more common, examples not particularly useful for explaining the concept, explanations make use of mathematical notation that is very unhelpful for beginners trying to understand the concept, and analogies are nearly nowhere to be found. Further, the complete lack of correct answers to review questions prevents anybody from using this book for self-study.

So, if you are looking for a comprehensive review of database systems, I recommend this book.
If you are a teacher looking at using this book for an introductory class, either plan on using it as a reference or please select another book.

it could be so much more user friendly!
Parts of this book, especially chapter 10 and 11, are written in nearly pure mathematical formulas with very limited explanation. The worst part is that many of those problems are fairly simply if you understand it. The algorithms that are the main part of chapter 11 could be explained in a much easier way. Instead of trying to decipher them yourself, which may take hours, speak to someone that knows the subject and you will be surprised how easy all this really is.

I think the author decided that since this book is designed for Comp Science majors it must be written in an EXTREMELY concise way which made parts of it also extremely hard to understand. Too bad, because it really did not have to be that way.

Great Resource! :)
This is an excellent and thorough analysis of database processes involving transactions, concurrency control, security and covers relational tables, object-relational databases as well as object oriented technology. There is a thorough overview of UML as well as ER design tools. It is a tough read and covers a lot of material and is very theoretical but practical. Relational algebra and calculus are covered thoroughly. This is recommended for an advanced database course as it's coverage of SQL is coarse and cursory. Instead this book is intended more for a behind the scenes analysis of database technology. An excellent database course as a prerequisite for using this book would use Mannino's Database Design, Application, Development and Administration. Mannino's book has an excellent coverage of SQL and its applications.

Good for School and database in general
This is for someone who is very interested in database. maybe if you want to be a dba, system, or databasehouse analyst.

Little bit old but very good. ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! A platform-specific model is a model of a software or business system that is linked to a specific technological platform (e.g. a specific programming language, operating system or database). Platform-specific models are indispensable for the actual implementation of a system. For example, a need to implement an online shop. The system will need to store information regarding users, goods, credit cards, etc. The designer might decide to use for this purpose an Oracle database. For this to work, the designer will need to express concepts (e.g. the concept of a user) in a relational model using the Oracle's SQL dialect. This Oracle's specific relational model is an example of a Platform-specific model. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent for beginers
I am a Architect(design) and wanted a career shift to computers, this is a great book for people who are begineers and would like to learn Database Architecture right from the basics ... Read more

Product Description

This book, written by veteran Oracle database administrator Iggy Fernandez, a regular on the Oracle conference circuit and the editor of NoCOUG Journal, is a manageable introduction to key Oracle database administration topics including planning, installation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and backups, to name just a few. As is clear from the table of contents, this book is not simply a recitation of Oracle Database features such as what you find in the reference guides available for free download on the Oracle web site. For example, the chapter on database monitoring explains how to monitor database availability, database changes, database security, database backups, database growth, database workload, database performance, and database capacity.

The chapters of this book are logically organized into four parts that closely track the way your database administration career will naturally evolve. Part 1 gives you necessary background in relational database theory and Oracle Database concepts, Part 2 teaches you how to implement an Oracle database correctly, Part 3 exposes you to the daily routine of a database administrator, and Part 4 introduces you to the fine art of performance tuning. Each chapter has exercises designed to help you apply the lessons of the chapter. Each chapter also includes a list of reference works that contain more information on the topic of the chapter.

In this book, you'll find information that you won't find in other books on Oracle Database. Here you'll discover not only technical information, but also guidance on work practices that are as vital to your success as technical skills. The author's favorite chapter is "The Big Picture and the Ten Deliverables." If you take the lessons in that chapter to heart, you can quickly become a much better Oracle database administrator than you ever thought possible.

Customer Reviews (8)

Fashion for writing books
Nowadays allot of people trying to write books for fame.I believe all books are good.But when you writing a technical book its approach for the readers should be easy to understand your technical expertise.
It does not mean if you have years of experience and could be a good teacher.I will not recommend book.

It is good useful book
It is good book but not as good as I expected as a Oracle beginner

Great book for aspiring DBAs
I have known Iggy Fernandez for the last twenty years. I have always been impressed with his deep knowledge of database technology and his ability to explain it in a clear and succinct manner. He has brought that knowledge and ability to bear on this book wonderfully well. Most technical books focus on command syntax while this one gives equal importance to concepts. It is very well organized and the examples are taken from real life. "The Big Picture and the Ten Deliverables" is a very original chapter. Exercises at the end of each chapter and ample references will help the serious student. I truly wish I had this book when I started as an Oracle DBA all those years ago.

If you read one Oracle book, read this one...
I've worked with relational databases--including Oracle--for most of my career and managed teams of database administrators for many years.

If you're new to Oracle, this is the one book for you. Chock full of real life tips and advice borne from a DBA who has clearly learned the hard way, you will benefit from his successes and failures. Well written and easy to understand, this book will jump start anyone who is new to Oracle or wants to brush up on DBA fundamentals.

Exceptional Oracle 11g Resource - Gives you a great overview
This book is a must for new DBA's considering installing and using Oracle 11g. Not only is it full of details it is well written and easy to understand.I have recommended to my other friends in the Oracle community and want to pass along that if you are planning to use 11g in the next year you should get this book as a resource. ... Read more