4 Beginner-Friendly PLSQL Books to Kickstart Your Journey

Explore PLSQL Books written by leading experts like Prof Sham Tickoo and Krishna Rungta, designed for newcomers to build solid foundations

Updated on June 28, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

Every expert in PLSQL started exactly where you are now: faced with a vast language and a steep learning curve. The beauty of PLSQL is that anyone can begin mastering it with the right resources. These books make Oracle's procedural language accessible through clear explanations and practical examples, helping you build your skills step by step without overwhelm.

The authors of these books bring decades of experience in Oracle database management and software development. Prof Sham Tickoo simplifies complex concepts with logical progression, Krishna Rungta offers a practical approach to core PL/SQL blocks, Steven Feuerstein provides a deep dive into both fundamentals and advanced features, while John Garmany’s example-driven style makes coding approachable. Together, their works form a trusted foundation for your learning journey.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized PLSQL book that meets them exactly where they are. This customized approach ensures your study matches your background and interests, accelerating your mastery of PLSQL.

Best for structured Oracle beginners
Prof Sham Tickoo, a leading expert in database management and prolific author on Oracle technologies, wrote this textbook drawing on his deep experience in computer science. His clear, structured teaching style shines through the book’s accessible explanations and rich examples. Designed specifically to ease beginners into Oracle 12c and PL/SQL, his approach ensures you grasp essential concepts without being overwhelmed, making this book a valuable companion as you start your Oracle journey.
Learning Oracle 12c: A PL/SQL Approach book cover

by Prof Sham Tickoo Purdue Univ, Sunita Raina··You?

2016·592 pages·PLSQL, PL/SQL, Databases, Software Development, Oracle SQL

Prof Sham Tickoo, with his extensive background in database management and authorship of multiple Oracle SQL and PL/SQL textbooks, crafted this book to simplify the learning curve for beginners and intermediate users alike. The book walks you through Oracle 12c’s SQL and PL/SQL features using a clear, example-driven approach that covers data manipulation, transaction control, exception handling, cursors, triggers, and subprograms. Each chapter builds logically on the last, making complex concepts accessible without sacrificing depth, such as the detailed treatment of exception handling in chapter six. If you're aiming to build strong foundational skills in Oracle database programming with a focus on performance, this book offers a structured path tailored to your needs.

View on Amazon
Best for quick grasp beginners
Krishna Rungta has over 13 years of professional software development and testing experience, progressing from individual contributor to CEO. His passion for technology and belief in empowering others led him to write this beginner-friendly guide to PL/SQL. He aims to democratize knowledge by sharing practical insights drawn from his extensive career, making this book a valuable starting point for anyone new to PL/SQL programming.
2017·221 pages·PLSQL, PL/SQL, Databases, Programming, Control Flow

Krishna Rungta brings over a decade of hands-on software development and leadership experience to this beginner-friendly guide, designed to demystify PL/SQL for newcomers. You’ll gain a solid grasp of core concepts like PL/SQL block structure, data types, control flow statements, and exception handling, all supported by clear examples such as the Hello World program and cursor usage. The book’s chapter-by-chapter approach walks you through practical techniques including stored procedures, triggers, and dynamic SQL, making it easier to understand and apply PL/SQL in real projects. If you’re starting out and want a straightforward, example-rich introduction without getting lost in jargon, this is tailored for you.

View on Amazon
Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on PL/SQL fundamentals is tailored to your current skill level and specific learning goals. By sharing your background and which PL/SQL concepts you want to focus on, you receive a book that matches your pace and interests exactly. This approach removes the typical overwhelm new learners face by concentrating on core topics in a way that builds your confidence steadily.
2025·50-300 pages·PLSQL, PLSQL Basics, Control Structures, Exception Handling, Stored Procedures

This tailored book offers a beginner-friendly path through the essential concepts and syntax of PL/SQL, crafted to match your individual background and learning speed. It explores the core building blocks of Oracle's procedural language, presenting them through a gradual, confidence-building progression. The content focuses on foundational elements without overwhelming, ensuring you develop a clear understanding of PL/SQL basics and structure. This personalized approach allows the material to align closely with your interests and goals, making complex topics approachable and manageable. By focusing on your specific needs, the book transforms the learning experience into a comfortable journey through PL/SQL fundamentals.

Personalized For You
Progressive Learning
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for comprehensive learners
Oracle PL/SQL Programming stands out as a foundational text that invites beginners into the world of Oracle’s procedural language with clarity and depth. Its detailed coverage ranges from basic syntax to advanced features introduced in the latest Oracle versions, making complex topics approachable. The book’s inclusion of practical examples and new chapters on security and globalization responds directly to the evolving needs of developers. Whether you’re moving from basic SQL or aiming to enhance your database programming skills, this book lays a solid foundation and guides your progression through Oracle PL/SQL.
Oracle PL/SQL Programming book cover

by Steven Feuerstein, Bill Pribyl·You?

2005·1200 pages·PLSQL, PL/SQL, Database Programming, Security, Error Handling

Steven Feuerstein's decades of work in Oracle database development culminate in this thorough guide to PL/SQL, designed to clear the path for newcomers and seasoned developers alike. You’ll find detailed explanations on the language’s syntax, practical examples, and coverage of advanced features like conditional compilation and regular expressions, helping you build both foundational and specialized skills. Chapters on security, file handling, and globalization deepen your understanding of PL/SQL’s real-world applications. If you want a single resource to grow from basic queries to mastering Oracle’s procedural extensions, this book is structured to support that journey without overwhelming you.

View on Amazon
Best for hands-on beginners
John Garmany’s Easy Oracle PLSQL Programming offers a uniquely accessible starting point for anyone new to PL/SQL. This book’s example-driven method empowers you to write your first PL/SQL blocks by the end of chapter one, gradually building your skills through clear explanations and practical exercises. If you’ve needed a straightforward way to extract and format Oracle data or produce reports, this edition delivers fresh tips and guidance shaped by the author’s decades of Oracle expertise. Designed to enhance both readability and manageability, it makes the powerful Oracle database accessible alongside your applications.
2014·198 pages·PLSQL, PL/SQL, Oracle Database, Reporting, Code Examples

What makes John Garmany's Easy Oracle PLSQL Programming approachable for newcomers is its straightforward pathway to mastering PL/SQL through clear explanations and hands-on examples. Drawing from decades of experience with SQL*Plus, Garmany breaks down complex PL/SQL concepts into digestible segments, starting with basic blocks in the first chapter and advancing logically throughout the book. You’ll learn how to create, debug, and execute PL/SQL code effectively, with a strong emphasis on readability and manageability. The inclusion of exercises reinforces your understanding as you progress, making it ideal if you want to quickly extract Oracle data and generate formatted reports without getting overwhelmed. This book suits developers and Oracle professionals seeking a practical introduction rather than seasoned coders looking for exhaustive detail.

View on Amazon

Learning PLSQL, Tailored to You

Build confidence with personalized guidance without overwhelming complexity.

Personalized learning plan
Focused skill building
Efficient knowledge gain

Many successful Oracle developers started with these foundations

PLSQL Starter Blueprint
Oracle Code Secrets
The PLSQL Formula
90-Day PLSQL System

Conclusion

These four books collectively emphasize clarity, practical learning, and gradual skill building—key aspects for anyone new to PLSQL. If you're completely new, starting with "Learn PL/SQL in 1 Day" offers a clear, manageable introduction. For a deeper dive, "Oracle PL/SQL Programming" guides you through both basics and advanced topics. Meanwhile, "Learning Oracle 12c" and "Easy Oracle PLSQL Programming" provide structured and example-rich paths to solidify your knowledge.

For step-by-step progression, moving from the concise and approachable to the comprehensive works will build your confidence and competence effectively. Alternatively, you can create a personalized PLSQL book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey.

Building a strong foundation early sets you up for success. With these carefully chosen resources, you are well-equipped to navigate the world of Oracle PL/SQL and grow your skills with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Learn PL/SQL in 1 Day" for a clear and quick introduction. Its straightforward examples help you grasp core concepts without feeling lost.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to PLSQL?

No, each book is designed with beginners in mind, gradually introducing concepts. For example, "Easy Oracle PLSQL Programming" uses hands-on examples to keep learning manageable.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with the more concise guides like "Learn PL/SQL in 1 Day", then progress to detailed texts such as "Oracle PL/SQL Programming" for deeper understanding.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on clarity and learning style over publication date. Classics like Steven Feuerstein's book remain relevant and provide comprehensive coverage.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No prior experience is necessary. These books start from basics, explaining syntax and concepts clearly to build your foundation.

How can personalized books complement these expert guides?

While these expert books offer great foundations, personalized books tailor learning to your pace and goals, helping you focus on what matters most. Consider creating a personalized PLSQL book to enhance your journey.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!