Preface

Try to make things as simple as possible; but not simpler.

”Albert Einstein

Simplicity is very difficult.

”Ray Ozzie, software inventor

Read the following two sentences and choose the one that suits you:

1. Oracle is a rather complex subject, and this book will give you a close, detailed examination of its many intricacies. Intrinsic to our study is absolute concentration.

2. Welcome to the incredible world of Oracle databases!

If you voted for the first candidate, I regret that this book is not for you.

This book belongs in the hands of those who are intrigued by the Oracle environment and are looking for a complete view before they decide to focus on one particular area in depth. Yes, there is a lot to learn in the Oracle world, and it is a world that is continually changing. But certain basics are common to all Oracle installations, whether the scenario is a small Oracle shop with only three people or a large data center with several hundred. This book is aimed at those who are interested in a complete view of these basics ”that is, those who are willing to do the work to turn a business idea into a functioning database.

In other words, this book is good material for both the newcomer to Oracle and the seasoned veteran. If you're a newcomer, you will be guided through all the steps you need to develop a working system. If you're a veteran (someone who has specialized in one or two areas of the Oracle database environment), you will be introduced to some exciting areas that you may have missed.

This book easily fits the bill for an intensive week-long seminar, a college class, a series of classes, or a self-study guide. If a company can make available a couple of servers, the book can be a do-it-yourself guide for employees , who can then work through the chapters on their own or in small, informal groups.

This book is not meant to be the one, definitive reference resource on every bit and piece of an Oracle installation. Rather, it gives you just what you need to get the job done. You will constantly be referred to other in-depth sources to complete your knowledge.

I believe that there is no knowledge like experience , and that is what this book will give you ” the complete Oracle experience from the idea of a database through all the steps that are required to turn the idea into reality.

Be persistent and good luck! I look forward to working with you.