Part II: PL/SQL Language Elements

Part II of this tutorial describes the essential language constructs provided by PL/SQL. It includes extensive examples of these constructs and explains how to use them most effectively.

• Variables and Program Data, explains variables and constants in PL/SQL programs and presents the various PL/SQL datatypes.
• Conditional and Sequential Control, describes how to use various types of IF, THEN, and ELSE constructs, as well as the NULL and GOTO statements.
• Database Interaction and Cursors, describes how to use explicit and implicit cursors.
• Loops, explains the different types of loops -- LOOP, FOR LOOP, and WHILE LOOP.
• Exception Handlers, discusses the various types of exceptions, including predefined, named developer-defined, unnamed internal, and unnamed developer-defined.
• Records in PL/SQL, describes how to use table-based, cursor-based, and developer-defined records.
• PL/SQL Tables, explains how to declare and use tables, and how to apply them to a variety of tasks.