Oracle SQL*Plus: The Definitive Guide (Definitive Guides)

The new second edition of "Oracle SQL*Plus: The Definitive Guide" clearly describes how to perform, step-by-step, all of the tasks that Oracle developers and DBAs want to perform with SQL*Plus--and maybe some you didn't realize you could perform.

With "Oracle SQL*Plus: The Definitive Guide," you'll expertly:

write and execute script files

generate ad hoc reports

extract data from the database

query the data dictionary tables

customize an SQL*Plus environment

and much more

It also includes a handy quick reference to all of its syntax options and an often-requested chapter on SQL itself, along with a clear, concise, and complete introduction.

This book is truly the definitive guide to SQL*Plus. It's an indispensable resource for those who are new to SQL*Plus, a task-oriented learning tool for those who are already using it, and an immediately useful quick reference for every user. If you want to leverage the full power and flexibility of this popular Oracle tool, you'll need this book.

Oracle Sql Plus: The Definitive Guide is really interesting to read. The author writes in a friendly style and depicts each topic with lots of examples ( so many and so usful that you can add to your own libraries ).

Personally, I am much appealed by the author's discussion on reporting, writing scripts and setting environment. If you are not familiar with any of these, you will be greatly awarded when finishing the book. I can bet it!


not very good   January 7, 2000
 14 out of 25 found this review helpful

I must admit that I am somewhat disappointed with this book. To me, an SQL Plus book should deal with using the most basic and useful commands, for example, various powerful functions, date handling, etc. This books covers some PL./SQL , Oracle load , tuning and administration -- strictly speaking not part of SQL Plus. With the widespread use of Developer 2000, the Report Writing part of SQL Plus is losing its importance and there should not be given too much coverage. For one trying to take the Oracle Certification in SQL Plus, this is not a suitable book


The most accurate SQL*Plus reference   April 1, 1999
 14 out of 16 found this review helpful

This book finally answers a need for SQL*Plus users that need something more than a quick reference card, but not an inaccurate tome, like "Oracle 8: the complete reference".

For instance, when it comes to looping, on page 254 you can read "There is no way to write a real loop using SQL*Plus." If you see this, you won't search through another 100 pages of manual trying to find a meaningful example. Excellent, correct, and an excellent balance between conciseness and completeness.

I have even adopted this book for my undergraduate database class.


A good quick start!   October 28, 2000
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Oracle was new to me, although I've worked with other RDBMSs, and I needed a reference for the SQL Plus interface. Gennick's book turned out to be just the thing. The writing is clear, there are lots of examples, and the topics are inclusive -- from the basic environment to advanced scripting and tuning. I've recommended this book to students.