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How To Use Shell Scripts As An Oracle DBA - by Md. Shamsul Haque

Shell scripting is a powerful tool for Oracle Database Administrators (DBAs) to automate routine tasks, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency in database management. This tutorial will guide you through the essentials of using shell scripts for Oracle DBA tasks, from basic script creation to advanced automation.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
169 views

How To Use Shell Scripts As An Oracle DBA - by Md. Shamsul Haque

Shell scripting is a powerful tool for Oracle Database Administrators (DBAs) to automate routine tasks, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency in database management. This tutorial will guide you through the essentials of using shell scripts for Oracle DBA tasks, from basic script creation to advanced automation.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Use Shell Scripts as an Oracle DBA

Md. Shamsul Haque, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server DBA and Coach

WhatsApp: 01825734821

Introduction

Shell scripting is a powerful tool for Oracle Database Administrators (DBAs) to automate routine
tasks, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistency in database management. This tutorial will guide
you through the essentials of using shell scripts for Oracle DBA tasks, from basic script creation to
advanced automation.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of Unix/Linux operating systems

• Basic knowledge of Oracle database administration

• Access to a Unix/Linux system with Oracle installed

• Text editor (e.g., vi, nano, or any IDE)

1. Introduction to Shell Scripting

What is Shell Scripting?

Shell scripting involves writing a series of commands in a file to be executed by the shell (command
interpreter) in Unix/Linux. It allows you to automate repetitive tasks, streamline complex operations,
and manage system and application processes efficiently.

Why Use Shell Scripting as an Oracle DBA?

• Automation: Automate routine DBA tasks such as backups, monitoring, and maintenance.

• Consistency: Ensure tasks are performed consistently every time.

• Efficiency: Save time by reducing manual intervention.

• Error Reduction: Minimize human errors in repetitive tasks.

2. Basic Shell Scripting Concepts

Creating a Shell Script

To create a shell script:

1. Open a terminal.

2. Use a text editor to create a new file, e.g., vi myscript.sh.

3. Add the shebang line at the top of the file to specify the shell to interpret the script:
#!/bin/bash

4. Write your script below the shebang line.

5. Save the file and exit the editor.

6. Make the script executable:

chmod +x myscript.sh

7. Run the script:

./myscript.sh

Basic Shell Commands

• Variables: Store values to be used later in the script.

-- sh code

ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1

• Loops: Execute a block of code multiple times.

-- sh code

for i in {1..5}; do

echo "Iteration $i"

done

• Conditionals: Execute code based on conditions.

-- sh code

if [ -f /path/to/file ]; then
echo "File exists"
else
echo "File does not exist"
fi

Interacting with Oracle Database

To interact with Oracle Database, use the sqlplus command-line tool. Here's a basic example of
running a SQL query from a shell script:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin
export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

sqlplus -s /nolog <<EOF

CONNECT username/password
SELECT name FROM v\$database;
EXIT;
EOF

3. Automating Common DBA Tasks

Backup Automation

Automate RMAN backups using shell scripts:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

rman target / <<EOF


RUN {
BACKUP DATABASE PLUS ARCHIVELOG;
DELETE OBSOLETE;
}
EOF

Monitoring Database Health

Monitor database status and alert if it's down:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

STATUS=$(sqlplus -s /nolog <<EOF


CONNECT username/password AS SYSDBA
SET HEAD OFF
SET FEEDBACK OFF
SELECT status FROM v\$instance;
EXIT;
EOF
)

if [ "$STATUS" != "OPEN" ]; then


echo "Database is down"
# Send email or alert
Fi

Exporting Data

Automate data export using Data Pump:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

expdp username/password DIRECTORY=dp_dir DUMPFILE=mydata.dmp SCHEMAS=my_schema

4. Advanced Scripting Techniques

Error Handling

Handle errors in scripts to ensure reliability:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

set -e
trap 'echo "An error occurred. Exiting..."; exit 1;' ERR

# Your script logic here


Logging

Implement logging to track script execution:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash
LOGFILE=/path/to/logfile.log

echo "Script started at $(date)" >> $LOGFILE

# Your script logic here

echo "Script ended at $(date)" >> $LOGFILE

Scheduling with cron

Use cron to schedule scripts:

1. Open the cron editor:

-- sh code

crontab -e

2. Add a cron job:

-- sh code

0 2 * * * /path/to/myscript.sh

0 2 * * * /home/oracle/shellscript/orclrmanback.sh

5. Real-World Examples

Example 1: Database Startup and Shutdown

Automate database startup and shutdown:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

case "$1" in
start)
sqlplus / as sysdba <<EOF
STARTUP;
EXIT;
EOF
;;
stop)
sqlplus / as sysdba <<EOF
SHUTDOWN IMMEDIATE;
EXIT;
EOF
;;
*)
echo "Usage: $0 {start|stop}"
exit 1
;;
esac

Example 2: Tablespace Usage Report

Generate a tablespace usage report:

-- sh code

#!/bin/bash

ORACLE_SID=orcl
ORACLE_HOME=/u01/app/oracle/product/19.0.0/dbhome_1
PATH=$PATH:$ORACLE_HOME/bin

export ORACLE_SID ORACLE_HOME PATH

sqlplus -s / as sysdba <<EOF


SET LINESIZE 100
SET PAGESIZE 50
COLUMN tablespace_name FORMAT A20
COLUMN used_mb FORMAT 999,999
COLUMN free_mb FORMAT 999,999
SELECT
df.tablespace_name,
df.totalspace "Total MB",
(df.totalspace - tu.totalusedspace) "Free MB",
tu.totalusedspace "Used MB"
FROM
(SELECT
tablespace_name,
SUM(bytes) / 1024 / 1024 AS totalspace
FROM
dba_data_files
GROUP BY
tablespace_name
) df,
(SELECT
tablespace_name,
SUM(bytes) / 1024 / 1024 AS totalusedspace
FROM
dba_segments
GROUP BY
tablespace_name
) tu
WHERE
df.tablespace_name = tu.tablespace_name(+)
ORDER BY
df.tablespace_name;
EXIT;
EOF

Conclusion

Shell scripting is a vital skill for Oracle DBAs, enabling the automation of repetitive tasks, improving
efficiency, and ensuring consistency. By leveraging the power of shell scripts, DBAs can streamline
database management operations, enhance system reliability, and reduce the risk of human error.

References

• Oracle Documentation: Oracle Database PL/SQL Packages and Types Reference

• Shell Scripting Tutorial: Shell Scripting Tutorial

• Oracle DBA Forums and Communities

This guide provides a solid foundation for using shell scripts as an Oracle DBA. You can expand on
these examples and customize them to suit your specific needs and environment.

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