| good intro book for sql server developer? [message #299399] |
Mon, 11 February 2008 18:53  |
aozm
Messages: 6
Registered: February 2008
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Junior Member |
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Hi,
I have extensive experience in using t-sql and SQL Server 2000/2005. But I have not used Oracle or PL/SQL before and am about to start a job that uses Oracle. I believe the SQL is relatively the same, and I will have to adjust my syntax somewhat. I was looking for a good book or two to read before starting - any suggestions? Maybe something specific to PL/SQL, even if it's just a good reference book that people recommend (as opposed to a tutorial type book).
Also, something in terms of more general Oracle environment - I'm used to Enterprise Manager, Query Analyzer, etc. Is there a good book that will help me learn what the equivilent in Oracle is?
I'd be open to good web sites as well, but would prefer a book so that I can read it away from the computer.
Thanks in advance!
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| Re: good intro book for sql server developer? [message #299402 is a reply to message #299399] |
Mon, 11 February 2008 19:37  |
moshea
Messages: 51
Registered: February 2008
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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Member |
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First things first, I'd say check out the getting started section of the oracle doc's here. There's load of good stuff there.
Having had no experience of TSQL etc, I can't speak to the comparisons between SQL Server and Oracle, however its worth noting that whilst Oracle has its own flavor of SQL, it also fully support s ANSI SQL (since 9i - with the introduction of FULL Outer Join?). So if you're used to writing "standard" SQL in SQL Server, then you should find the change to oracle SQL handy enough.
As for PL/SQL, well everyone will have their own tastes, but the first book I bought was probably Feurstein's "Oracle PL/SQL Programming". It's been on my desk ever since.
I've never used Oracle Enterprise Manager (most 'developers' don't - given that the distinction between DBA and developer is often much more explicit in the oracle world), but I do however love TOAD. As a general purpose IDE its great, and its Schema browser and sessions browsers allow for lots of playing around via an intuitive enough GUI. I mention it purely because I suspect you might be used to a more GUI rich environment coming from SQL Server.
Cheers,
Michael.
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| Re: good intro book for sql server developer? [message #299436 is a reply to message #299413] |
Tue, 12 February 2008 01:04 |
Frank
Messages: 7901
Registered: March 2000
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Senior Member |
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I agree with anacedent that the concepts manual is a good place to start.
Things you should be aware of:
- Oracle's locking mechanism (completely different from SQLServer's)
- DDL at runtime is a no-go in Oracle
- Joins are good, not bad. There is (virtually) no limit to the complexity of a query Oracle can handle. No need for temporary tables to store interim results
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| Re: good intro book for sql server developer? [message #299513 is a reply to message #299413] |
Tue, 12 February 2008 05:13 |
moshea
Messages: 51
Registered: February 2008
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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Member |
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| Michel Cadot wrote on Tue, 12 February 2008 05:14 | | Quote: | I do however love TOAD
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Start with a good tool and use Oracle SQL Developer, free, always up to date, adaptative, a community to improve it...
Regards
Michel
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Funnily enough, we subject the contractors who work with us to SQL Developer. (Some argue its because we want to re-affirm their position as second class citizens  ). The reality is that TOAD isn't exactly cheap (between $800 - $2K per seat, depending on version?). But if you work for a company who's willing to spend the cash, then its much better than SQL Developer.
Don't get me wrong, SQL Developer is grand. It'll get the job done even if It feels a little dinky. And I understand the whole Oracle Evangelism thing, where people must insist every Larry touches is great. But given the choice between Sql Developer and TOAD … well its not really a choice at all.
Michael
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