Introducing SQL Developer
Overview of Application Development with Oracle Database
1-4 Oracle Database 2 Day Developer's Guide
Language
, or SQL, the database-independent language for defining database objects
and operations. SQL is a set-based, high-level declarative computer language; it
describes a problem by stating criteria for the desired data. Using SQL statements, you
can query tables to display data, create and modify objects, and perform a large
variety of administrative tasks. When you issue a SQL command, the SQL language
compiler automatically generates a procedure to access the database and perform the
desired task.
In contrast, imperative computer languages, such as C, C++, and Java, describe how
to solve the problem by finding the necessary data; they describe computation as
statements that change a program state and can therefore solve a much broader set of
problems.
Procedural Language SQL
, or PL/SQL, is a native Oracle language extension to SQL.
It bridges the gap between declarative and imperative program control by adding
procedural elements, such as conditional control and iterative flow constructs. Like
SQL, PL/SQL has a built-in treatment of the relational database domain. PL/SQL
enables you to declare constants and variables, define procedures and functions, use
collections and object types, trap runtime errors, and create functions, packages,
procedures and triggers that can be stored on the database for reuse by applications
that are authored in any of the Oracle programmatic interfaces.
For more information about PL/SQL, see the PL/SQL Oracle Technology Network site
at
http://www.oracle.com/technology/tech/pl_sql/
Introducing SQL Developer
SQL Developer
is a graphical user interface for accessing your instance of Oracle
Database. SQL Developer supports development in both the SQL and PL/SQL
languages. It is available in the default installation of Oracle Database. You will use
SQL Developer, both through its navigation hierarchy and through the SQL
worksheet.
Before you run SQL Developer, ensure that you have Java 1.5.0 installed. At a
command prompt, enter the following command:
java -version
Output similar to the following should appear:
java version "1.5.0_06"
Java(TM) 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition (build 1.5.0_06-b05)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 1.5.0_06-b05, mixed mode, sharing)
To start SQL Developer:
1.
In Linux:
Click the Application menu (on Gnome) or the K menu (on KDE).
See Also:
Oracle Database SQL Language Reference
Oracle Database PL/SQL Language Reference
Oracle Database PL/SQL Packages and Types Reference
