Oracle SQL by Example

by Rischert, Alice

• ISBN13: 9780137142835
• ISBN10: 0137142838
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780131451315, 9780135188811
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-08-12
• Publisher: PEARSO
• More Book Details
• Purchase Benefits

Summary

“The book...has enough depth for even a seasoned professional to pick up enough tips to pay back the price of the book many times over.” - Dr. Paul Dorsey, President, Dulcian, Inc., Oracle Magazine PL/SQL Developer of the Year 2007, and President Emeritus, New York Oracle Users Group

“This is a fascinating guide into the world of Oracle SQL with an abundance of well-collected examples. Without a doubt, this book is helpful to beginners and experts alike who seek alternative ways to resolve advanced scenarios.” - Oleg Voskoboynikov, Ph.D., Database Architect

The World’s #1 Hands-On Oracle SQL Workbook–Fully Updated for Oracle 11g

Crafted for hands-on learning and tested in classrooms worldwide, this book illuminates in-depth every Oracle SQL technique you’ll need. From the simplest query fundamentals to regular expressions and with newly added coverage of Oracle’s powerful new SQL Developer tool, you will focus on the tasks that matter most. Hundreds of step-by-step, guided lab exercises will systematically strengthen your expertise in writing effective, high-performance SQL. Along the way, you’ll acquire a powerful arsenal of useful skills–and an extraordinary library of solutions for your real-world challenges with Oracle SQL.

Coverage includes

-100% focused on Oracle SQL for Oracle 11g, today’s #1 database platform–not “generic” SQL!

-Master all core SQL techniques including every type of join such as equijoins, self joins, and outer joins

-Understand Oracle functions in depth, especially character, number, date, timestamp, interval, conversion, aggregate, regular expressions, analytical, and more

-Practice all types of subqueries, such as correlated and scalar subqueries, and learn about set operators and hierarchical queries

-Build effective queries and learn fundamental Oracle SQL Developer and SQL*Plus skills

-Make the most of the Data Dictionary and create tables, views, indexes, and sequences

-Secure databases using Oracle privileges, roles, and synonyms

-Explore Oracle 11g’s advanced data warehousing features

-Learn many practical tips about performance optimization, security, and architectural solutions

-Avoid common pitfalls and understand and solve common mistakes

-For every database developer, administrator, designer, or architect, regardless of experience!

Author Biography

Alice Rischert , formerly chair of Columbia University’s Database Application Development and Design program, has taught classes in Oracle SQL, PL/SQL, and database design to hundreds of students. Ms. Rischert’s wide-ranging technology experience encompasses systems integration, database architecture, and project management for a number of companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Ms. Rischert has presented on SQL and PL/SQL topics at Oracle conferences and has worked with Oracle since version 5.

Table of Contents

SQL and Data

SQL: The Basics

Character, Number, and Miscellaneous Single-Row Functions

Date and Conversion Functions

Aggregate Functions, Group By, And Having

Equijoins

Complex Joins

Subqueries

Set Operators

Insert, Update, and Delete

Create, Alter, and Drop Tables

Views, Indexes, and Sequences

The Data Dictionary and Advanced SQL Scripts

Security

Regular Expressions and Hierarchical Queries

Exploring Data Warehousing Features

SQL Optimization

Answers to Self-Review Questions

SQL Formatting Guide

SQL Plus Command Reference

Student Database Schema

Table and Column Descriptions

Additional Example Tables

Navigating through the Oracle Documentation

Resources

Oracle Datatypes

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Extreme Programming Installed PrefaceSQL is the de facto standard language for relational databases, and Oracle's database server is the leading relational database on the market today. Oracle SQL by Example , 4th edition, presents an introduction to the Oracle SQL language in a unique and highly effective format. Rather than being a reference book, it guides you through basic skills until you reach a mastery of the language. The book challenges you to work through hands-on guided tasks rather than read through descriptions of functionality. You will be able to retain the material more easily, and the additional exercise and quiz questions reinforce and further enhance the learning experience. Who This Book Is ForThis book is intended for anyone requiring a background in Oracle's implementation of the SQL language. In particular, application developers, system designers, and database administrators will find many practical and representative real-world examples. Students new to Oracle will gain the necessary experience and confidence to apply their knowledge in solving typical problems they face in work situations. Individuals already familiar with Oracle SQL but wanting a firmer foundation or those interested in the new Oracle 11g features will discover many useful tips and tricks, as well as a wealth of information.The initial audience for the book was the students of the Oracle SQL class at Columbia University's Computer Technology and Applications program. The student body typically encompassed a wide-ranging level of technology experience. Their questions, learning approaches, and feedback provided the framework for this book. Many students cited the hands-on exercises as critical to their understanding of database technology and SQL and continuously asked for more examples and additional challenging topics. This book shares much of the material presented in the classroom and looks at the various angles of many solutions to a particular issue.The book begins with the basic concepts of relational databases, the SQL Developer and SQL*Plus tools, and SQL; it then gradually deepens the knowledge. Whether you already have some fundamental understanding of SQL or not, you will benefit from reading this book as it allows you to gain insight into writing alternative SQL statements. After performing the exercises in this book, you will harness the power of SQL and utilize much of Oracle's SQL functionality. What Makes This Book DifferentThis book encourages you to learn by doing, to actively participate by performing the exercises, quizzes, and Workshop exercises. Ultimately, the reward is a thorough understanding of SQL and a high level of comfort dealing with real-world Oracle SQL topics. Performing the exercises aids in retention of the material, and the quizzes and Workshop sections further test your understanding and offer additional challenges. The companion Web site, located at http://www.informit.com/ph , provides solutions to the Workshop exercises and includes additional exercises and answers.The book's focus is on providing examples of how the SQL language is commonly used, with many exercises supporting the learning experience. Unlike other SQL books, this book discusses Oracle's specific implementation of the language. Learning the language alone is not enough.