Updated on Aug 18, 2023 04:49 IST
Jasmine Dang Arora

Jasmine Dang AroraDeputy Manager-Content

PL/SQL is Procedural Language for SQL. It is designed by Oracle Corporation in the early 90's to enhance SQL. It is combination of SQL along with the procedural features wherein it is easy to both read and write. PL/SQL is high performing transaction-processing language, which is completely portable. It dispenses a built-in, interpreted and OS independent programming environment. User can directly call to database from external programming language calls. PL/SQL incoporates procedural language elements such as loops and conditions. It can manage run-time error and allows declaration of constants and variables, procedures and functions, types and variables. In this, all the statements of a block are moved to oracle engine at once which decreases the traffic and increases processing speed.

Difference between SQL and PL/SQL

difference between SQL and PL/SQL

PL/SQL Features

Following are some key features of PL/SQL:

  • It offers several data types.
  • It assists object-oriented programming.
  • It provides sizeable error checking.
  • It is strongly blended with SQL.
  • It provides numerous programming structures.
  • It can be used in the development of web applications and server pages.

PL/SQL Advantages and Disadvantages

It has the following advantages and disadvantages:

PL/SQL Advantages

  • Applications developed in PL/SQL are portable.
  • Its strong features saves time on design and debugging.
  • Provides access to predefined SQL packages.
  • It gives high productivity to programmers as it can query, modify, and upgrade data in a database.
  • It supports both static and dynamic SQL wherein Dynamic SQL enables embedding DDL statements in PL/SQL blocks and Static SQL assists in transaction control and DML operations.
  • Provides high security level.

PL/SQL Disadvantages

  • It uses high memory for storage.
  • Roles of front-end developer and back-end developer cannot be fully separated.
  • Complex and inconsistent syntax
  • Lacks debugging functionality.
  • Tough to detach PL/SQL development with HTML development.

PL/SQL Architecture

PL SQL Architecture

PL/SQL Setup Process

To setup PL/SQL in a machine, Oracle RDBMS Server should be installed in it. It supervise the execution of the SQL commands. Check the step-by-step process to setup PL/SQL here:

  • Launch the Oracle Database Installer using the setup file
  • Provide your email ID and check the checkbox and click ‘next’ button
  • Uncheck the checkbox and click the ‘continue’ button to proceed
  • Select the first option ‘Create and Configure Database’ and click ‘next’ button
  • Select the Desktop Class option (if installing Oracle for the basic purpose of learning)
  • Provide a location and modify the Oracle Base and the other locations will set automatically
  • Click ‘next’ button to proceed
  • Then click the ‘Finish’ button to proceed and actual server installation will start
  • After the database files are copied, click the OK button and exit

PL/SQL Developer Responsibilities

The role of a PL/SQL developer encompasses the following activities:

  • Writing triggers, advanced PL/SQL communications with Oracle and Oracle stored procedures.
  • Coordinate with DBA in fabricating and managing indexes, tables, table spaces, auditing and data quality checks.
  • Design various structures for all physical objects and suggest changes on applications through efficient statistical structures.
  • Creating and managing tables, indexes, db links and privileges.

 

Check out DBA interview questions. Also read SQL Query interview questions with detailed answers along. 

 

PL/SQL FAQs

Q. What is PL/SQL used for?

A. It is used for SQL data manipulation, SQL functions, cursor control, transaction control statements, and pseudocolumns.

Q. What is the requirement to install PL/SQL?

A. PL/SQL can be installed in an Oracle Database server or an application development tool such as Oracle Forms.

Q. What is difference between SQL and PL/SQL?

A. The differences between SQL and PL/SQL can be read on this page.

Q. Are PL SQL and Oracle same?

A. PL/SQL is Oracle's procedural language extension to SQL. It enables to mix SQL statements with procedural constructs.

Q. What is trigger in PL/SQL?

A. It is stored programs, which are automatically executed in response to database manipulation (DML) statement (DELETE, INSERT, or UPDATE) A database definition (DDL) statement (CREATE, ALTER, or DROP).

Q. What are the responsibilities that fall under PL/SQL Developer?

A. The responsibilities that come under the PL/SQL Developer are:
  • Writing triggers, and advanced PL/SQL communications with Oracle and Oracle stored procedures.
  • Coordinate with DBA in fabricating and managing indexes, tables, tablespaces, auditing, and data quality checks.
  • Design various structures for all physical objects and suggest changes on applications through efficient statistical structures.
  • Creating and managing tables, indexes, db links and privileges.

Q. What are the advantages of PL/SQL?

A. Some of the PL/SQL advantages are portability of developed applications, time-savvy, and access to predefined SQL packages.  

Q. What are the disadvantages of PL/SQL?

A. Some of the disadvantages of PL/SQL include:
  • It uses high memory for storage.
  • Roles of front-end developer and back-end developer cannot be fully separated.
  • Complex and inconsistent syntax
  • Lacks debugging functionality.
  • Tough to detach PL/SQL development with HTML development.

Q. What are the skills needed for PL/SQL Developer?

A. The skills required for PL/SQL Developer are team work, dedication, adaptability, and good communication. 
 
 

Q. Which are the top colleges for PL/SQL training?

A. Some of the top colleges for PL/SQL courses are Aptech Computer Education, NIIT, Laqshya Institute of Skills Training and Institute of Advanced Network Technology.

Popular PL/SQL Colleges in India

Following are the most popular PL/SQL Colleges in India. Learn more about these PL/SQL colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2.5 K
60 K
6 K - 9 K

Popular Private PL/SQL Colleges in India

2.5 K
60 K
6 K - 9 K

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for PL/SQL. Students interested in pursuing a career on PL/SQL, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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