About This Document

This guide is the entry into the Oracle Database documentation set for application developers.

The guide includes the following information:

• Explanations of the basic concepts behind development with Oracle Database

• Tutorials and examples that show how to use basic features of SQL and PL/SQL

• References to detailed information about subjects that the guide introduces

• Explanations of how to develop and deploy a simple Oracle Database application

Introduction to 2 Day Oracle Database Development (this chapter) describes the reader for whom this document is intended, outlines the organization of this document, introduces important Oracle Database concepts, and describes the sample schema used in the tutorials and examples in this document.

Connecting to Oracle Database and Exploring It explains how to connect to Oracle Database, how to view schema objects and the properties and data of Oracle Database tables, and how to use queries to retrieve data from an Oracle Database table.

About DML Statements and Transactions introduces data manipulation language (DML) statements and transactions. DML statements add, change, and delete Oracle Database table data. A transaction is a sequence of one or more SQL statements that Oracle Database treats as a unit: either all of the statements are performed, or none of them are.

Creating and Managing Schema Objects introduces data definition language (DDL) statements, which create, change, and drop schema objects.

Developing Stored Subprograms and Packages introduces stored subprograms and packages, which can be used as building blocks for many different database applications.

Using Triggers introduces triggers, which are stored PL/SQL units that automatically execute (“fire”) in response to specified events.

Working in a Global Environment introduces globalization support-National Language Support (NLS) parameters and Unicode-related features of SQL and PL/SQL.

Building Effective Applications explains how to build scalable applications and use recommended programming and security practices.

Developing a Simple Oracle Database Application shows how to develop a simple Oracle Database application.

Deploying an Oracle Database Application explains how to deploy an Oracle Database application—that is, how to install it in one or more environments where other users can run it—using the application developed in Developing a Simple Oracle Database Application as an example.