oracle | Page 3

simulate conditional logic in what is oth-
erwise a declarative language. CASE, an ANSI standard construct, was first
introduced in Oracle8i, and was enhanced in Oracle9i.
• Chapter 10,Partitions, Objects, and Collections, discusses the issues involved
with accessing partitions and collections using SQL. Learn to write SQL state-
ments that operate on specific partitions and subpartitions. Also learn to query
object data, nested tables, and variable arrays.
• Chapter 11,PL/SQL, explores the integration of SQL and PL/SQL. This chapter
describes how to call PL/SQL stored procedures and functions from SQL state-
ments, and how to write efficient SQL statements within PL/SQL programs.
• Chapter 12,Advanced Group Operations, deals with complex grouping opera-
tions used mostly in decision support systems. We show you how to use Oracle
features such as ROLLUP, CUBE, and GROUPING SETS to efficiently generate
various levels of summary information required by decision support applica-
tions. We also discuss the new Oracle9igrouping features that enable compos-
ite and concatenated groupings, and the new GROUP_ID and GROUPING_ID
functions.
• Chapter 13,Advanced Analytic SQL, deals with analytical queries and new ana-
lytic functions. Learn how to use ranking, windowing, and reporting functions
to generate decision support information. This chapter also covers the new ana-
lytic features introduced in Oracle9i.
• Chapter 14,SQL Best Practices, talks about best practices that you should follow
in order to write efficient and maintainable queries. Learn which SQL constructs
are the most efficient for a given situation. For example, we describe when it’s
better to use WHERE instead of HAVING to restrict query results. We also dis-
cuss the performance implications of using bind variables vis-à-vis literal SQL.
Conventions Used in This Book
The following typographical conventions are used in this book.
Italic
Used for filenames, directory names, table names, field names, and URLs. It is
also used for emphasis and for the first use of a technical term.
Constant width
Used for examples and to show the contents of files and the output of com-
mands.
Constant width italic
Used in syntax descriptions to indicate user-defined items.
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Preface
Constant width bold
Indicates user input in examples showing an interaction. Also indicates empha-
sized code elements to which you should pay particular attention.
Constant width bold italic
Used in code examples to emphasize aspects of the SQL statements, or results,
that are under discussion.
UPPERCASE
In syntax descriptions, indicates keywords.
lowercase
In syntax descriptions, indicates user-defined items such as variables.
[ ]
In syntax descriptions, square brackets enclose optional items.
{ }
In syntax descriptions, curly brackets enclose a set of items from which you must
choose only one.
|
In syntax descriptions, a vertical bar separates the items enclosed in curly brack-
ets, as in {TRUE | FALSE}.
...
In syntax descriptions, ellipses indicate repeating elements.
Indicates a tip, suggestion, or general note. For example, we use notes
to point you to useful new features in Oracle9i.
Indicates a warning or caution. For example, we’ll tell you if a certain
SQL clause might have unintended consequences if not used carefully.
Comments and Questions
We have tested and verified the information in this book to the best of our ability,
but you may find that features have changed or that we have made mistakes. If so,
please notify us by writing to:
O’Reilly & Associates
1005 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol, CA 95472
(800) 998-9938 (in the United States or Canada)
(707) 829-0515 (international or local)
(707) 829-0104 (FAX)
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xiii
You can also send messages electronically. To be put on the mailing list or request a
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Acknowledgments
We are indebted to a great many people who have contributed in the development
and production of this book. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jonathan Gennick,
the editor of the book. Jonathan’s vision for this book, close attention to details, and
exceptional editing skills are the reasons this book is here today.
Our sincere thanks to our technical reviewers: Diana Lorentz, Jeff Cox, Stephan
Andert, Rich White, Peter Linsley, and Chris Lee, who generously gave their valu-
able time to read and comment on a draft copy of this book. Their contributions
have greatly improved its accuracy, readability, and value.
This book certainly would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and sup-
port from the skillful staff at O’Reilly & Associates, including Ellie Volckhausen and
Emma Colby, the cover designers, David Futato, the interior designer, Neil Walls,
who converted the files, Colleen Gorman, the copyeditor and production editor, Rob
Romano and Jessamyn Read, the illustrators, Sheryl Avruch and Ann Schirmer, who
provided quality control, and Tom Dinse, the indexer. Also, thanks to Tim O’Reilly
for