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PL/SQL Tips
In Oracle Database management, PL/SQL is a procedural language extension to Structured Query Language SQL. The purpose of PL/SQL is to combine database language and procedural programming language. The basic unit in PL/SQL is called a block, which is made up of three parts: a declarative part, an executable part, and an exception-building part. The following tips will help you when programming with Pl/SQL.
- When programming Web pages in PL/SQL, use what is commonly referred to as "the bodyless package". This is a package that has only a heading and no body. This heading, we will call it "body", contains aliases for Web pages and directories. Example:
- Home = www.epa.gov image = www.epa.gov/images (where images is a directory that all images/graphics are stored) etc....
- Then in a Web page where a link to the home page is used, just use 'body.Home' or to a subpage, 'body.Home'/superfund. Where a graphic is used, you use 'body.image'. This is very useful for moving web pages from a development site to a production site. If "the bodyless package" is used, the directories will only have to be changed in one location and the change is virtually replicated across all pages. This is quicker and safer than hunting through pages looking for addresses to change.
