8 PL/SQL Books Patrick Barel and Experts Recommend

Unlike most PL/SQL books that focus on basic programming, Saurabh K. Gupta dives deep into Oracle Database 12c's advanced features, blending foundational concepts with the latest enhancements like Multitenant architecture and Database In-Memory options. You’ll explore complex topics such as external procedures, Virtual Private Database security, and PL/SQL code profiling, all backed by practical examples and exercises that sharpen your ability to write efficient and secure database applications. This book suits Oracle developers ready to elevate their skills beyond fundamentals, especially those preparing for professional certification or managing large-scale Oracle environments.

Drawing from over two decades of deep involvement in Oracle PL/SQL, Steven Feuerstein and Bill Pribyl crafted this extensive guide to help you harness the full potential of Oracle's procedural language. You’ll find detailed explanations of language fundamentals alongside advanced coding techniques, including the latest features introduced in Oracle Database 12c, such as the ACCESSIBLE_BY clause and conditional compilation directives. The book breaks down complex topics like modular application design using packages, procedures, and triggers, while offering practical tools for debugging and performance optimization. If you aim to elevate your PL/SQL skills with clear examples and best practices, this is a focused resource tailored to developers seeking mastery rather than casual users.

This tailored book explores the full spectrum of PL/SQL development, focusing on your specific interests and goals within Oracle database programming. It covers foundational concepts such as syntax and procedural constructs, and delves into advanced techniques including performance tuning, modular design, and error handling. By matching your background, the content reveals pathways through complex PL/SQL features like dynamic SQL, collections, and triggers, allowing you to deepen your mastery efficiently. This personalized resource synthesizes collective expert knowledge into a clear, targeted guide that addresses what you want to achieve in your Oracle development journey.

The methods Steven Feuerstein developed while working extensively with Oracle databases have shaped this pocket reference into a precise tool for anyone engaging with PL/SQL. You get immediate access to syntax and functions critical for writing and debugging PL/SQL code, including topics like cursor management, exception handling, and object-oriented features. This slim volume is best suited for developers and DBAs who need quick, clear reminders of language fundamentals without wading through lengthy manuals. For example, the sections on trigger creation and Java integration stand out as practical aids for complex database tasks. If you’re looking for a concise refresher or a companion to deeper study, this book fits the bill without fluff.

Drawing from extensive experience with Oracle databases, P.S. Deshpande offers a focused guide to mastering SQL and PL/SQL for Oracle 11g. You gain practical knowledge of Oracle-specific SQL commands alongside PL/SQL programming constructs, enabling you to write efficient queries, stored procedures, and triggers tailored for this platform. The book references Oracle 11g features and syntax, making it especially useful if you work with or plan to maintain legacy Oracle systems. If you seek a solid grounding in Oracle's SQL and procedural extensions with clear examples, this book delivers a targeted learning path; however, those looking for the latest Oracle versions might find it less up-to-date.

Drawing from decades of hands-on experience as a Development DBA, Michael Rosenblum offers a grounded approach to mastering PL/SQL programming that cuts through jargon. You’ll learn how to write efficient, maintainable code with clear examples on code structures, conditions, loops, and integrating SQL with PL/SQL. The book also dives into testing, debugging, and adopting best practices while addressing new features from Oracle 9i and 10g. Whether you’re enhancing an existing system or starting fresh, this guide suits developers aiming for solid, practical PL/SQL skills without unnecessary complexity.

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step plan designed to boost your PL/SQL proficiency within 90 days. It covers essential PL/SQL concepts, advanced programming techniques, and Oracle database features, all matched to your experience level and learning goals. By addressing your specific interests, it reveals how to streamline complex code, enhance performance, and apply best practices in real-world scenarios. Each chapter builds progressively, ensuring efficient knowledge acquisition and skill development tailored to your background. This personalized approach transforms the broad landscape of PL/SQL into an achievable, customized learning journey that aligns directly with your objectives and accelerates your mastery of Oracle PL/SQL programming.

Michael McLaughlin brings a rare blend of practical Oracle experience and academic insight to this hefty manual on Oracle Database 12c PL/SQL programming. You’ll gain a solid grasp of writing, debugging, and administering complex PL/SQL code, including how to handle collections, triggers, and dynamic SQL. The book dives deep into advanced topics like object types, nested tables, and integrating PL/SQL with Java and PHP, making it ideal if you want to master the nuances of Oracle's procedural language. While its nearly 1,200 pages demand serious commitment, those who do will find detailed examples and expert strategies that sharpen their database programming skills beyond the basics.

Melanie Caffrey, an experienced Oracle consultant based in New York City, brings her deep expertise in both front-end and back-end Oracle solutions to this guide focused on PL/SQL web programming. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge of essential components such as configuring Oracle Internet Application Server, mastering PL/SQL Server Pages, and leveraging the PL/SQL Web Toolkit. The book walks you through critical phases like testing, debugging, and deployment, supported by practical examples and exercises that cement your skills. If you’re involved in Oracle web development and want a clear, example-driven path to integrate PL/SQL effectively, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary complexity.

The authoritative expertise behind this book reflects Benjamin Rosenzweig's deep experience with Oracle technologies and his dedication to teaching PL/SQL at Columbia University. You’ll learn everything from the foundational syntax to advanced performance tuning in Oracle Database 21c, including new iteration controls for loops, cursor management, and dynamic SQL. The book walks you through practical labs with thorough explanations that go beyond simple answers, offering insight into best practices and optimization strategies. Whether you're new to PL/SQL or an experienced developer seeking a reliable reference, this book equips you with the skills to write efficient, modular, and maintainable database code.