Oracle PL/SQL Programming: A Developer's Workbook

Conventions Used in This Book

The following conventions are used in this book:

Italic

Used for file and directory names and URLs, and for the first mention of new terms under discussion.

Constant width

Used for code examples.

Constant width bold

In some code examples, highlights the statements being discussed (e.g., when a change occurs).

Constant width italic

In some code examples, indicates an element (e.g., a filename) that you supply.

UPPERCASE

In code examples, indicates PL/SQL keywords.

lowercase

In code examples, indicates user-defined items like variables and parameters.

Punctuation

In code examples, enter exactly as shown.

Indentation

In code examples, helps to show structure (but is not required).

--

In code examples, begins a single-line comment, which extends to the end of a line.

/* and */

In code examples, these characters delimit a multiline comment, which can extend from one line to another.

.

In code examples and related discussions, periods qualify a reference by separating an object name from a component name. For example, dot notation is used to select fields in a record and to specify declarations within a package.

The web icon indicates that the code example described or shown in the text appears on the book’s web page.

Indicates a tip, suggestion, or general note. For example, I’ll tell you if you need to use a particular Oracle version or if an operation requires certain privileges.

Indicates a warning or caution. For example, I’ll tell you if Oracle does not behave as you’d expect or if a particular operation has a negative impact on performance.