What’s the difference between SQL and PL/SQL, and will this course cover both?
Yes, this course explains the key difference: SQL is a declarative language used to retrieve and manipulate data, while PL/SQL is a procedural language used to control how SQL operations are executed. You’ll learn how PL/SQL builds on SQL to add logic, control structures, and modular programming to Oracle environments.
Will I learn how to write stored procedures, functions, and triggers from scratch?
Absolutely. You’ll write your own stored procedures and functions step by step, then explore how to create packages to organize reusable logic. You’ll also develop database triggers to automate events like inserts or schema changes.
Does Oracle Database teach best practices for writing clean, maintainable code in PL/SQL?
Yes. Throughout the course, you'll learn how to structure your code for clarity and reusability—including modular design with packages, proper error handling, and dependency management. These best practices are essential for real-world, production-quality PL/SQL development.
Are Oracle-supplied packages like DBMS_OUTPUT and UTL_FILE covered in detail?
Yes. You’ll explore commonly used system-supplied packages such as DBMS_OUTPUT for debugging, UTL_FILE for file I/O, and others that are frequently used in application development. You’ll learn how to use them safely and effectively.
How deeply does the course go into exception handling and performance tuning?
You’ll cover exception handling in depth—including predefined and user-defined exceptions, WHEN clauses, and defensive coding techniques. Performance tuning is introduced through PL/SQL compiler settings and design considerations, with more advanced tuning covered in future courses.