Re: There's gotta be a better way...

No - what it comes down to is you've never been forced to use SQL (you know - the Standard) up until now.

This is the undoing of plenty so-called database people who have relied upon GUI (i.e. isn't that pretty) tools until they have to learn to use a different database.

I am proud that Oracle takes a bit of getting used to.

Ever ask a Tornado or Phantom pilot if spending all the time in Ground-school was worth it?

All that learning about the mechanics of flight, Coefficients of Lift and Drag (Cl, Cd), Jet exhause temperature limits , airframe G-limits, Radio and Nav. frequencies (MHz), Instrument Flight Rules, Critical Mach speeds (Vm.crit), stall speeds (Vs), best-glide speed, on-board avionics modes, Best Turn speed, Operating ceiling (ft.), alternator voltages, oil temperature limits, backup hydraulic system pressures, flap retraction speeds (kts.) and so on.

Of course it was worth it!

I've never yet seen an aircraft that was specifically designed to be easy for the pilots to fly.

The only one that comes close is the Airbus, but even one of them is rumoured to have prevented the pilot stopping by applying brakes on the runway because it was aquaplaning and the plane still thought it was flying! (recently - in America - where it ran off the end of the runway and crashed into a petrol / gas station).

Back to the jet pilot - again ask him if spending all the time in Ground-school was worth it when he's been tasked with performing a HI-LO-HI attack profile on a hostile target under strict radio silence and once completed it had to handle an inflight flameout and single-engine RTB (return to base).

Of course it was worth it!

Operating sophisticated 'kit' takes time to learn to do it well.

Quite right too.

The same applies with Oracle.

Oracle is the SR-71 Blackbird of databases.

And don't you ever forget it!!!

http://chris_gilliland.home.mindspring.com/sr-71/sr-71.html :-

"The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the most spectacular performer ever to leave the ground under its own power and spread wings. Thirty years after entering service, the Blackbird is aloft again after a premature retirement. It is still the world's fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft."

David P.

Oracle Certified DBA.