●Oracle Database is a relational database management system from Oracle Corporation.
●Oracle DB is one of the most trusted and widely used relational database engines for storing, organizing and retrieving data.
●It is developed in 1977 by Lawrence Ellison.
●The system is built around a relational database framework in which data objects may be directly accessed by users (or an application front end) through SQL(structured query language). Oracle is a fully scalable relational database architecture and is often used by global enterprises which manage and process data across wide and local area networks.
●Oracle uses a relational database model for Oracle Database, which makes it possible to store and display company and customer data as organized data sets. Data sets are structured into columns, tables, and rows, and data points are related using attributes.
How does Oracle Database work?
Oracle Database, like most RDBMS, uses the standardized programming language SQL (Structured Query Language) to create database structures, manage records, perform actions, and retrieve the data. Oracle’s own programming language PL/SQL, it is related to SQL and lets you add Oracle programming extensions to SQL. To structure the databases, Oracle uses row and column tables in which data points are linked via attributes. This makes cross-table access efficient and time effective.
The architecture of Oracle database systems consists of a database for storing database files, one or more database instances for data management. Below logical and physical data structures are separated into Oracle databases.
1.Physical storage structures: Data files, control files, and red-log files (related documenting changes).
2.Logical storage structures: Data blocks and tables, extents (for grouping logical data blocks), segmented extent records and table spaces.
Oracle provides various developer and management tools options in Oracle databases:
- SQL Plus: Available on all computer systems that use the Oracle client or server software and in command line tool for database administration, it allows command entries, data queries, and changes or deletions of database files. SQL knowledge is mandatory for SQL Plus.
- Oracle Data Modeler: A free tool aimed primarily at database designers. The Modeler can be used to design logical database models or entity-relationship models. The tool’s strengths include its intuitive operation (drag & drop), the mapping of complex database structures, and the export of database structures to the Oracle SQL Developer Tool.
- Oracle SQL Developer: A free Java program with graphical user interface that creates or edits database projects, manages SQL statements/scripts, performs database analyses, or generates or debugs PL/SQL procedures.
- Oracle Enterprise Manager Database Control: A web-based management tool for Oracle databases that provides a GUI (graphical user interface).
- Oracle JDeveloper: An Oracle developer tool whose integrated development environment with Oracle and Java helps in developing database applications.
- Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control: It can be used for multiple databases and clusters.
Oracle Database: editions and areas of application
a)Standard Edition
Large medium-sized companies choosing the Oracle Standard Edition. Its advantages include intuitive installation and configuration, automated management functions, and efficient and clear administration of large data sets, also a high compatibility with applications.
b)Express Edition
The Oracle Express Edition is a free Oracle Database, which is suitable for every client and provides a free database ( for small applications). The Express Edition supports PHP, Java, XML, and .NET. Since it’s a free edition, the memory is limited to 4 GB and the RAM to 1 GB.
c)Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition hardly sets limits in terms of storage, extension, and data volume management, it’s mainly suitable for large enterprises that work with enormous volumes of data.
d)Oracle Lite
It is used for mobile devices.
e)Personal Edition:
Nearly the same as the Enterprise Edition.
Alternatives to Oracle Database
1)SAP HANA
2)IBM
3)Db2
4)Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)
5)My SQL
6)Amazon Aurora
7)Microsoft SQL
Advantages of Oracle database:
Below are the advantages of Oracle database:
1)Widely used in the enterprise IT sector
2)High compatibility
3)Support from all major software and hardware venors
4)Optional use of Oracle Cloud Databases for outsourcing and automation of database management
5)Most popular database
6)Large developer community and high-quality Oracle support
7)Strong security and privacy features (Ex. strong authentication and authorization of access, encryption of data and networks)
Disadvantages of Oracle database:
Below are the disadvantage of Oracle database:
1)Extensive SQL knowledgeand administrative experience in database management are a prerequisite for the local on-premises version of Oracle
2)Oracle licenses are expensive