Learn PLSQL with Real Code Examples

PL/SQL allows writing procedural code inside the database using SQL statements.

Supports variables, loops, conditions, and exception handling.

Optimized for Oracle databases, enhancing performance and maintainability.

Blocks: anonymous, procedures, functions, triggers

Variables and constants with strong typing

Control structures: IF, CASE, LOOP, WHILE

Explicit and implicit cursors for query handling

Exception blocks for error management

Anonymous PL/SQL blocks

Variables and constants

Control structures (IF, LOOP, CASE)

Cursors for query results

Exception handling

Packages/ - modular reusable PL/SQL code

Procedures/ - stored procedures

Functions/ - stored functions

Triggers/ - automated event handlers

Views/ - read-only query interfaces

Write PL/SQL block (procedure/function/trigger)

Compile in Oracle database

Test using SQL*Plus or SQL Developer

Debug errors with DBMS_OUTPUT or logging

Deploy to production schema

Beginner: simple anonymous blocks, basic loops

Intermediate: cursors, exception handling, packages

Advanced: dynamic SQL, bulk operations, complex triggers

Expert: performance tuning, security, large-scale batch jobs

Stronger procedural capabilities than standard SQL

Oracle-specific; differs from T-SQL (SQL Server)

Better integration with Oracle features than PL/pgSQL

Not portable to non-Oracle DBs without modification

Ideal for server-side business logic in Oracle ecosystem

Late 1980s – PL/SQL developed by Oracle

1990s – Integrated into Oracle Database

1995 – Widely adopted in Oracle 7

2000s – Enhanced with bulk operations and packages

2010+ – Modern Oracle versions support advanced features

Anonymous block: PL/SQL code without a name

Cursor: Pointer to query result set

Package: Modular collection of procedures/functions

Trigger: Automated response to table events

Exception: Error handling mechanism