Oracle PL/SQL For Dummies

Chapter 2

The PL/SQL Environment

In This Chapter

Installing the Oracle database

Using tools

Understanding users and connections

Looking at sample data

Before you can start working with PL/SQL, you need a place to write and run your programs as well as a database (preferably populated with some sample data) that your programs can interact with. You might be lucky enough to be working at a company where someone can help you set up and install everything. Or, you might be completely on your own and need to do everything yourself.

Installing an Oracle environment isn’t the same as installing a simple Windows application. You can’t just put the CD in the drive and have it all magically install for you. You need to set up the right environment. This involves installing the Oracle database and the necessary tools to allow you to write, edit, and debug the code. In this chapter, you discover what you need to do to start writing and testing your PL/SQL code.

Depending upon your particular system configuration and where you’re working, you might need some help from a database administrator ...