Learn PL/SQL in 1 Day

By Krishna Rungta

Copyright 2019 - All Rights Reserved – Krishna Rungta

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form whatsoever, electronic, or mechanical,
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Table Of Content
Chapter 1: What Is PL/SQL? Introduction & Architecture
1. What is PL/SQL?
2. Architecture of PL/SQL
3. Advantage of Using PL/SQL

Chapter 2: SQL Vs PL/SQL Vs T-SQL: Key Differences

1. Difference between SQL and PL/SQL
2. Difference Between T-SQL and PL-SQL
3. Difference between SQL and T-SQL

Chapter 3: PL/ SQL Block: STRUCTURE, Syntax,

ANONYMOUS Example
1. What is PL/SQL block?
2. Block Structure
3. PL/SQL Block Syntax
4. Types of PL/SQL block

Chapter 4: PL/SQL First Program: Hello World Example

1. What is SQL* Plus?

2. Connecting to Database
3. How to write a simple program using PL/SQL
4. Declaring and usage of variables in the program
5. Comments in PL/SQL

Chapter 5: Oracle PL/SQL Data Types: Character, Number, Boolean,

Date, LOB
 1. What is PL/SQL Datatypes?
2. CHARACTER Data Type:
3. NUMBER Data Type:
4. BOOLEAN Data Type:
5. DATE Data Type:
6. LOB Data Type:

Chapter 6: Oracle PL/SQL Variable Identifiers Tutorial with Examples

1. Properties of Identifiers
2. Naming Conventions of Identifiers
3. Variables – An Identifier
4. Declaration of Variables
5. Data storing in Variables

Chapter 7: Oracle PL/SQL Collections: Varrays, Nested & Index by

Tables
1. What is Collection?
2. Varrays
3. Nested Tables
4. Index-by-table
5. Constructor and Initialization Concept in Collections
6. Collection Methods

Chapter 8: Oracle PL/SQL Records Type with Examples

Chapter 9: Oracle PL/SQL IF THEN ELSE Statement: ELSIF, NESTED-IF

1. What are Decision-Making Statements?
2. IF-THEN Statement
3. IF-THEN-ELSE Statement
4. IF-THEN-ELSIF Statement
5. NESTED-IF Statement
Chapter 10: Oracle PL/SQL: CASE Statement with Examples
1. What is CASE Statement?
2. SEARCHED CASE Statement

Chapter 11: Oracle PL/SQL LOOP with Example

1. What are Loops?
2. Introduction to Loops Concept
3. Loop Control Statements
4. Types of Loop in PL/SQL
5. Basic Loop Statement
6. Labeling of Loops

Chapter 12: Oracle PL/SQL FOR LOOP with Example

1. What is For Loop?

2. Nested Loops

Chapter 13: Oracle PL/SQL WHILE LOOP with Example

Chapter 14: Oracle PL/SQL Stored Procedure & Functions with

Examples
1. Terminologies in PL/SQL Subprograms
2. What is Procedure in PL/SQL?
3. What is Function?
4. Similarities between Procedure and Function
5. Procedure Vs. Function: Key Differences
6. Built-in Functions in PL/SQL

Chapter 15: Oracle PL/SQL Exception Handling: Examples to Raise User-

defined Exception
 1. What is Exception Handling in PL/SQL?
2. Exception-Handling Syntax
3. Types of Exception
4. Predefined Exceptions
5. User-defined Exception
6. PL/SQL Raise Exception
7. Important points to note in Exception

Chapter 16: Oracle PL/SQL Insert, Update, Delete & Select Into
[Example]
1. DML Transactions in PL/SQL
2. Data Insertion
3. Data Update
4. Data Deletion
5. Data Selection

Chapter 17: Oracle PL/SQL Cursor: Implicit, Explicit, Cursor FOR Loop
[Example]
1. What is CURSOR in PL/SQL?
2. Implicit Cursor
3. Explicit Cursor
4. Cursor Attributes
5. FOR Loop Cursor statement

Chapter 18: Oracle PL/SQL BULK COLLECT: FORALL Example

1. What is BULK COLLECT?

2. FORALL Clause
3. LIMIT Clause
4. BULK COLLECT Attributes

Chapter 19: Autonomous Transaction in Oracle PL/SQL:

Commit, Rollback
 1. What are TCL Statements in PL/SQL?
2. What is Autonomous Transaction

Chapter 20: Oracle PL/SQL Package: Type, Specification, Body

[Example]
1. What is Package in Oracle?
2. Components of Packages
3. Package Specification
4. Package Body
5. Referring Package Elements
6. Create Package in PL/SQL
7. Forward Declarations
8. Cursors Usage in Package
9. Overloading
10. Dependency in Packages
11. Package Information
12. UTL FILE – An Overview

Chapter 21: Oracle PL/SQL Trigger Tutorial: Instead of, Compound [Example]
1. What are Triggers in PL/SQL?
2. Benefits of Triggers
3. Types of Triggers in Oracle
4. How to Create Trigger
5. :NEW and :OLD Clause
6. INSTEAD OF Trigger
7. Compound Trigger

Chapter 22: Oracle PL/SQL Object Types Tutorial with EXAMPLES

1. What is Object Type in PL/SQL?
2. Components of Object Types
3. Create Object in Oracle
4. Declaration Initialization of Object Type
5. Constructors
6. Inheritance in Object Type
7. Equality of PL/SQL Objects
Chapter 23: Oracle PL/SQL Dynamic SQL Tutorial: Execute Immediate &
DBMS_SQL
1. What is Dynamic SQL?
2. Ways to write dynamic SQL
3. NDS (Native Dynamic SQL) - Execute Immediate
4. DBMS_SQL for Dynamic SQL

Chapter 24: Nested Blocks & Variable Scope in Oracle PL/SQL Tutorial
[Example]
1. Nested Block Structure
2. Scopes in Nested Block: Variable Scope
 Chapter 1: What Is PL/SQL? Introduction &
Architecture

What is PL/SQL?

PL/SQL is an extension of Structured Query Language (SQL) that is used in

Oracle. Unlike SQL, PL/SQL allows the programmer to write code in a
procedural format. Full form of PL/SQL is “Procedural Language
extensions to SQL”.

It combines the data manipulation power of SQL with the processing

power of procedural language to create super powerful SQL queries.
PL/SQL means instructing the compiler ‘what to do’ through SQL and ‘how
to do’ through its procedural way.

Similar to other database languages, it gives more control to the

programmers by the use of loops, conditions and object-oriented
concepts.

Architecture of PL/SQL

The PL/SQL architecture mainly consists of following three

components:
1. PL/SQL block
2. PL/SQL Engine
3. Database Server

PL/SQL block:

This is the component which has the actual PL/SQL code. This
consists of different sections to divide the code logically
 (declarative section for declaring purpose, execution section for
processing statements, exception handling section for handling
errors)
It also contains the SQL instruction that used to interact with the
database server.
All the PL/SQL units are treated as PL/SQL blocks, and this is the
starting stage of the architecture which serves as the primary input.
Following are the different type of PL/SQL units.
Anonymous Block Function
Library Procedure
Package Body
Package Specification Trigger
Type
Type Body

PL/SQL Engine

PL/SQL engine is the component where the actual processing of the

codes takes place.
PL/SQL engine separates PL/SQL units and SQL part in the input (as
shown in the image below).
The separated PL/SQL units will be handled by the PL/SQL
engine itself.
The SQL part will be sent to database server where the actual
interaction with database takes place.
It can be installed in both database server and in the application
server.

Database Server:
This is the most important component of Pl/SQL unit which
stores the data.
The PL/SQL engine uses the SQL from PL/SQL units to interact with
the database server.
It consists of SQL executor which parses the input SQL statements and
 execute the same.
Below is the pictorial representation of Architecture of PL/SQL.

PL/SQL Architecture Diagram

Advantage of Using PL/SQL

1. Better performance, as SQL is executed in bulk rather than a
single statement
2. High Productivity
3. Tight integration with SQL
4. Full Portability
5. Tight Security
6. Support Object Oriented Programming concepts.
 Chapter 2: SQL Vs PL/SQL Vs T-SQL: Key
Differences
SQL is the standard language to query a database.
PL SQL basically stands for “Procedural Language extensions to SQL.” This is
the extension of Structured Query Language (SQL) that is used in Oracle.
T-S QL basically stands for "Transact-SQL." This is the extension of
Structured Query Language (SQL) that is used in Microsoft.

Difference between SQL and PL/SQL

SQL PL/SQL
SQL is a single query that is used PL/SQL is a block of codes that
to perform DML and DDL used to write the entire program
operations. blocks/ procedure/ function, etc.
It is declarative, that defines what PL/SQL is procedural that defines
need to be done, rather than how how the things needs to be done.
things need to be done.
Execute as a single statement. Execute as a whole block.
Mainly used to manipulate data. Mainly used to create an
application.
Interaction with a Database No interaction with the database
server. server.
Cannot contain PL/SQL code in it. It is an extension of SQL, so that it
can contain SQL inside it.

Difference Between T-SQL and PL- SQL

T-SQL PL-SQL
T-SQL is a Microsoft product. PL-SQL is developed by Oracle.
Full Form of TL SQL is Transact Full Form of PL SQL is Procedural
Structure Query language. Language Structural Query
Language.
T-SQL gives a high degree of It is a natural programming
control to programmers. language that blends easily with
the SQL
T-SQL performs best with PL-SQL performs best with Oracle
Microsoft SQL server database server.
It is easy and simple to PL-SQL is complex to understand.
understand.
T-SQL allows inserting multiples PL/SQL supports oops concepts
rows into a table using the BULK like data encapsulation, function
INSERT statement. overloading, and information
hiding.
SELECT INTO statement used in T- INSERT INTO statement must be
SQL used in PL/SQL
In T-SQL NOT EXISTS clause used In PL/SQL, there is a MINUS
along with SELECT statements. operator, which could be used
with SELECT statements

Difference between SQL and T-SQL

SQL T-SQL
SQL is a programming language T-SQL is a procedural extension
which focuses on managing used by SQL Server.
relational databases.
This is used for controlling and T-SQL has some features that are
manipulating data where large not available in SQL. Like
amounts of information are procedural programming
stored about products, clients, elements and a local variable to
etc. provide more flexible control of
how the application flows.
SQL queries submitted T-SQL writes a program in such a
individually to the database way that all commands are
server. submitted to the server in a single
go
The syntax was formalized for It also includes special functions
many commands; some of these like the converted date () and
are SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, some other functions which are
DELETE, CREATE, and DROP. not part of the regular SQL.
 Chapter 3: PL/ SQL Block: STRUCTURE,
Syntax, ANONYMOUS Example

What is PL/SQL block?

In PL/SQL, the code is not executed in single line format, but it is

always executed by grouping the code into a single element called
Blocks. In this tutorial, you are going to learn about these blocks.
Blocks contain both PL/SQL as well as SQL instruction. All these instruction
will be executed as a whole rather than executing a single instruction at a
time.

Block Structure

PL/SQL blocks have a pre-defined structure in which the code is to be

grouped. Below are different sections of PL/SQL blocks.
1. Declaration section
2. Execution section
3. Exception-Handling section
The below picture illustrates the different PL/SQL block and their
section order.
Declaration Section

This is the first section of the PL/SQL blocks. This section is an optional part.
This is the section in which the declaration of variables, cursors, exceptions,
subprograms, pragma instructions and collections that are needed in the
block will be declared. Below are few more characteristics of this part.

This particular section is optional and can be skipped if no

declarations are needed.
This should be the first section in a PL/SQL block, if present. This
section starts with the keyword ‘DECLARE’ for triggers and
anonymous block. For other subprograms, this keyword will not
be present. Instead, the part after the subprogram name definition
marks the declaration section.
This section should always be followed by execution section.
Execution Section

Execution part is the main and mandatory part which actually executes the
code that is written inside it. Since the PL/SQL expects the executable
statements from this block this cannot be an empty block, i.e., it should have
at least one valid executable code line in it. Below are few more
characteristics of this part.

This can contain both PL/SQL code and SQL code.

This can contain one or many blocks inside it as a nested block. This
section starts with the keyword ‘BEGIN’.
This section should be followed either by ‘END’ or Exception-
Handling section (if present)

Exception-Handling Section:

The exception is unavoidable in the program which occurs at run-time and

to handle this Oracle has provided an Exception-handling section in blocks.
This section can also contain PL/SQL statements. This is an optional section
of the PL/SQL blocks.

This is the section where the exception raised in the execution

block is handled.
This section is the last part of the PL/SQL block.
Control from this section can never return to the execution block. This
section starts with the keyword ‘EXCEPTION’.
This section should always be followed by the keyword ‘END’.
The Keyword ‘END’ marks the end of PL/SQL block.

PL/SQL Block Syntax

Below is the syntax of the PL/SQL block structure.

DECLARE --optional
<declarations>

BEGIN --mandatory
<executable statements. At least one executable statement is
mandatory>

EXCEPTION --optional
<exception handles>

END; --mandatory
/

Note: A block should always be followed by ‘/’ which sends the

information to the compiler about the end of the block.

Types of PL/SQL block

PL/SQL blocks are of mainly two types.

1. Anonymous blocks
2. Named Blocks

Anonymous blocks:
Anonymous blocks are PL/SQL blocks which do not have any names
assigned to them. They need to be created and used in the same session
because they will not be stored in the server as database objects.

Since they need not store in the database, they need no compilation
steps. They are written and executed directly, and compilation and
execution happen in a single process.

Below are few more characteristics of Anonymous blocks.

These blocks don’t have any reference name specified for them.
These blocks start with the keyword ‘DECLARE’ or ‘BEGIN’.
Since these blocks do not have any reference name, these cannot be
stored for later purpose. They shall be created and executed in the
same session.
They can call the other named blocks, but call to anonymous block is
not possible as it is not having any reference.
It can have nested block in it which can be named or anonymous. It
can also be nested in any blocks.
These blocks can have all three sections of the block, in which
execution section is mandatory, the other two sections are
optional.

Named blocks:

Named blocks have a specific and unique name for them. They are stored
as the database objects in the server. Since they are available as database
objects, they can be referred to or used as long as it is present on the server.
The compilation process for named blocks happens separately while
creating them as a database objects.

Below are few more characteristics of Named blocks.

These blocks can be called from other blocks.
The block structure is same as an anonymous block, except it will never
start with the keyword ‘DECLARE’. Instead, it will start with
 the keyword ‘CREATE’ which instruct the compiler to create it as a
database object.
These blocks can be nested within other blocks. It can also contain
nested blocks.
Named blocks are basically of two types:
1. Procedure
2. Function
We will learn more about these named blocks in “Procedure” and
“Function” topics in later tutorial.

Summary

After this tutorial, you should be aware of PL/SQL blocks and its types,
different sections of blocks and their usages. The detailed description of the
named PL/SQL blocks will be covered in the later tutorial.