About the Author xv
About the Technical Reviewer xvii
Acknowledgments xix
Introduction xxi
Part I: Learn How to Learn 1
Chapter 1: Understand Relational Databases 3
Chapter 2: Create an Efficient Database Development Process 29
Chapter 3: Increase Confidence and Knowledge with Testing 51
Chapter 4: Find Reliable Sources 77
Chapter 5: Master the Entire Stack 87
Part II: Write Powerful SQL with Sets and Advanced Features 105
Chapter 6: Build Sets with Inline Views and ANSI Join Syntax 107
Chapter 7: Query the Database with Advanced SELECT Features 127
Chapter 8: Modify Data with Advanced DML 195
Chapter 9: Improve the Database with Advanced Schema Objects 223
Chapter 10: Optimize the Database with Oracle Architecture 271
Part III: Write Elegant SQL with Patterns and Styles 299
Chapter 11: Stop Coding and Start Writing 301
Chapter 12: Write Large SQL Statements 317
Chapter 13: Write Beautiful SQL Statements 335
Chapter 14: Use SQL More Often with Basic Dynamic SQL 349
Chapter 15: Avoid Anti-patterns 363
Part IV: Improve SQL Performance 389
Chapter 16: Understand SQL Performance with Algorithm Analysis 391
Chapter 17: Understand SQL Tuning Theories 421
Chapter 18: Improve SQL Performance 461
Part V: Solve Anything with Oracle SQL 521
Chapter 19: Solve Challenging Problems with Arcane SQL Features 523
Chapter 20: Use SQL More Often with Advanced Dynamic SQL 543
Chapter 21: Level Up Your Skills with PL/SQL 559
Part VI: Appendixes 603
Appendix A: SQL Style Guide Cheat Sheet 605
Appendix B: Computer Science Topics 607
Index 609

 Write SQL statements that are more powerful, simpler, and faster using the advanced features of Oracle SQL. This updated second edition includes the newest advanced features: improved data structures (such as more JSON support and more table options), improved automated processes (such as automatic indexing), and improved SQL language extensions (such as polymorphic table functions, SQL macros, and the multilingual engine).

 Pro Oracle SQL Development is for anyone who already knows Oracle SQL and is ready to take their skills to the next level. This book provides a clearer way of thinking about SQL by building sets, and it provides practical advice for using complex features while avoiding anti-patterns that lead to poor performance and wrong results. Relevant theories, real-world best practices, and style guidelines help you get the most out of Oracle SQL.

 Many developers, testers, analysts, and administrators use Oracle databases frequently, but their queries are limited because they do not take advantage of Oracle’s advanced features. This book inspires you to achieve more with your Oracle SQL statements by creating your own style for writing simple, yet powerful, SQL. It teaches you how to think about and solve performance problems in Oracle SQL, and it covers enough advanced topics to put you on the path to becoming an Oracle expert.

What You'll Learn

• Solve challenging problems with declarative SQL instead of procedural languages
• Write SQL statements that are large and powerful, but also elegant and fast
• Create development environments that are simple, scalable, and conducive to learning
• Visualize and understand SQL more intuitively
• Apply advanced syntax, objects, and architecture
• Avoid SQL anti-patterns that accumulate technical debt
• Tune SQL statements with multiple strategies that can significantly improve performance

Who This Book Is For

 Developers, testers, analysts, and administrators who want to harness the full power of Oracle SQL to solve their problems as simply and as quickly as possible; traditional database professionals looking for new ways of thinking about the language they have used for so long; and modern full stack developers who need an explanation of how a database can be much more than simply a place to store data