Pro Oracle SQL Development

Write SQL statements that are more powerful, simpler, and faster using the advanced features of Oracle SQL. This updated second edition includes the newest advanced features: improved data structures (such as more JSON support and more table options), improved automated processes (such as automatic indexing), and improved SQL language extensions (such as polymorphic table functions, SQL macros, and the multilingual engine).

PRO ORACLE SQL DEVELOPMENT is for anyone who already knows Oracle SQL and is ready to take their skills to the next level. This book provides a clearer way of thinking about SQL by building sets, and it provides practical advice for using complex features while avoiding anti-patterns that lead to poor performance and wrong results. Relevant theories, real-world best practices, and style guidelines help you get the most out of Oracle SQL.

Many developers, testers, analysts, and administrators use Oracle databases frequently, but their queries are limited because they do not take advantage of Oracle’s advanced features. This book inspires you to achieve more with your Oracle SQL statements by creating your own style for writing simple, yet powerful, SQL. It teaches you how to think about and solve performance problems in Oracle SQL, and it covers enough advanced topics to put you on the path to becoming an Oracle expert.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

* Solve challenging problems with declarative SQL instead of procedural languages


* Write SQL statements that are large and powerful, but also elegant and fast
* Create development environments that are simple, scalable, and conducive to learning
* Visualize and understand SQL more intuitively


* Apply advanced syntax, objects, and architecture
* Avoid SQL anti-patterns that accumulate technical debt
* Tune SQL statements with multiple strategies that can significantly improve performance



WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

Developers, testers, analysts, and administrators who want to harness the full power of Oracle SQL to solve their problems as simply and as quickly as possible; traditional database professionals looking for new ways of thinking about the language they have used for so long; and modern full stack developers who need an explanation of how a database can be much more than simply a place to store data

JON HELLER is an expert SQL and PL/SQL programmer with 20 years of Oracle experience. He has worked as a database developer, analyst, and administrator. In his spare time, he is active on Stack Overflow where he is a top user in the Oracle and PL/SQL tags. He enjoys creating open-source software. He has a Master of Computer Science degree from North Carolina State University, and lives in Iowa with his wife and two sons.

PART I: LEARN HOW TO LEARN

Chapter 1: Understand Relational Databases

Chapter 2: Create an Efficient Database Development Process

Chapter 3: Increase Confidence and Knowledge with Testing

Chapter 4: Find Reliable Sources

Chapter 5: Master the Entire Stack

PART II: WRITE POWERFUL SQL WITH SETS AND ADVANCED FEATURES

Chapter 6: Build Sets with Inline Views and ANSI Join Syntax

Chapter 7: Query the Database with Advanced SELECT Features

Chapter 8: Modify Data with Advanced DML

Chapter 9: Improve the Database with Advanced Schema Objects

Chapter 10: Optimize the Database with Oracle Architecture

PART III: WRITE ELEGANT SQL WITH PATTERNS AND STYLES

Chapter 11: Stop Coding and Start Writing

Chapter 12: Write Large SQL Statements

Chapter 13: Write Beautiful SQL Statements

Chapter 14: Use SQL More Often with Basic Dynamic SQL

Chapter 15: Avoid Anti-Patterns

PART IV: IMPROVE SQL PERFORMANCE

Chapter 16: Understand SQL Performance with Algorithm Analysis

Chapter 17: Understand SQL Tuning Theories

Chapter 18: Improve SQL Performance

PART V: SOLVE ANYTHING WITH ORACLE SQL

Chapter 19: Solve Challenging Problems with Arcane SQL Features

Chapter 20: Use SQL More Often with Advanced Dynamic SQL

Chapter 21: Level Up Your Skills with PL/SQL

PART VI: APPENDIXES

Appendix A: SQL Style Guide Cheat Sheet

Appendix B: Computer Science Topics