Chapter 2. PLSQL Concepts

Chapter 2. PL/SQL Concepts

Chapter Objectives

In this Chapter, you will learn about:

PL/SQL in Client-Server Architecture Page

PL/SQL in SQL*Plus Page

In the previous chapter, you were introduced to some elements of computer programming languages. In this chapter, you will be introduced to the elements of a specific programming language, PL/SQL, and how it fits in the client-server architecture.

PL/SQL stands for "Procedural Language Extensions to SQL." PL/SQL extends SQL by adding programming structures and subroutines available in any high-level language. In this chapter, you will see examples that will illustrate the syntax and the rules of the language.

PL/SQL is used for both server-side and client-side development. For example, database triggers (code that is attached to tables, discussed in a later chapter) on the server side and logic behind an Oracle Developer tool on the client side can be written using PL/SQL. In addition, PL/SQL can be used to develop applications for browsers such as Netscape or Internet Explorer when used in conjunction with the Oracle Application Server and the PL/SQL Web Development Toolkit.