About This Document

This document is the entry into the Oracle Database documentation set for application developers. It does the following:

• Explains the basic concepts behind development with Oracle Database

• Shows how to use basic features of SQL and PL/SQL

• Provides references to detailed information about subjects that it introduces

• Shows, with tutorials and examples, how to develop and deploy a sample application

Introduction 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 explains how to connect to Oracle Database.

Exploring Oracle Database with SQL Developer shows how to view schema objects and the properties and data of Oracle Database tables.

Selecting Table Data shows 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. The tutorials and examples show how to create the objects for the sample application.

Developing Stored Subprograms and Packages introduces stored subprograms and packages, which can be used as building blocks for many different database applications. The tutorials and examples show how to create the package of subprograms for the sample application.

Using Triggers introduces triggers, which are stored PL/SQL units that automatically execute ("fire") in response to specified events. The tutorials and examples show how to create the triggers for the sample application.

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

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