PL/SQL stands for "Procedural Language/Structured Query Language" and is inbuilt in all Oracle relational database systems since the mid nineties. It is a relatively simple straightforward language with a gentle learning curve. However, this does not mean it is a very limited language. PL/SQL extends the already powerful SQL standard allowing an application developer to take advantage of Loops, Conditional statements, advanced error handling and many more constructs.
When PL/SQL first appeared within the Oracle database, its advantages were obvious. Developers could now store their application logic within the database within Functions, Procedures and PL/SQL packages. The database was elevated from a mere storage mechanism to an application engine. Client and front end components were still necessary but PL/SQL allowed for the separation of application logic (in the database) from presentation.
In the 15 or so years since PL/SQL was popularised with the release of Oracle 7, software development has moved on considerably, as has the Oracle database. PL/SQL is still a mandatory component of the system, but Java has also been embedded within the Oracle relational database system. Developers have also moved on, leaving procedural concepts behind for the most part in favour of Object Oriented models.
In an age of multi-purpose languages and multi-purpose developers, a language such as PL/SQL seems an oddity - A PL/SQL developer is hardly very transferable across platforms, projects or companies. Java would seem to be a much better choice on the face of it for young developers who intend to start working with Oracle databases.
On the plus side for PL/SQL, it is easy to pick up and a newbie could expect to be executing PL/SQL programs against an Oracle database within an hour of picking up a PL/SQL book. True, as with many apparently simple tasks, it doesn't take much to become competent, but it may take years to get to the point where one could be considered "good". However, any developer who expects to be spending any reasonable amount of time working on an Oracle database should acquaint themselves with the basics of PL/SQL programming.
One reason to be cheerful if you are a PL/SQL developer is the absolutely huge number of legacy systems which are heavily dependent on PL/SQL. Several million man hours of work have been spent developing PL/SQL applications which have been migrated and tuned through several iterations of the Oracle database. With each Oracle release, PL/SQL performance has been improving and applications have scaled excellently. Oracle know this and continue to support and encourage the PL/SQL community through the release of development tools such as Oracle SQL Developer. So there is no need to panic, far from it, the future looks good.
When PL/SQL first appeared within the Oracle database, its advantages were obvious. Developers could now store their application logic within the database within Functions, Procedures and PL/SQL packages. The database was elevated from a mere storage mechanism to an application engine. Client and front end components were still necessary but PL/SQL allowed for the separation of application logic (in the database) from presentation.
In the 15 or so years since PL/SQL was popularised with the release of Oracle 7, software development has moved on considerably, as has the Oracle database. PL/SQL is still a mandatory component of the system, but Java has also been embedded within the Oracle relational database system. Developers have also moved on, leaving procedural concepts behind for the most part in favour of Object Oriented models.
In an age of multi-purpose languages and multi-purpose developers, a language such as PL/SQL seems an oddity - A PL/SQL developer is hardly very transferable across platforms, projects or companies. Java would seem to be a much better choice on the face of it for young developers who intend to start working with Oracle databases.
On the plus side for PL/SQL, it is easy to pick up and a newbie could expect to be executing PL/SQL programs against an Oracle database within an hour of picking up a PL/SQL book. True, as with many apparently simple tasks, it doesn't take much to become competent, but it may take years to get to the point where one could be considered "good". However, any developer who expects to be spending any reasonable amount of time working on an Oracle database should acquaint themselves with the basics of PL/SQL programming.
One reason to be cheerful if you are a PL/SQL developer is the absolutely huge number of legacy systems which are heavily dependent on PL/SQL. Several million man hours of work have been spent developing PL/SQL applications which have been migrated and tuned through several iterations of the Oracle database. With each Oracle release, PL/SQL performance has been improving and applications have scaled excellently. Oracle know this and continue to support and encourage the PL/SQL community through the release of development tools such as Oracle SQL Developer. So there is no need to panic, far from it, the future looks good.
If you are interested in improving your PL/SQL skills, whether you are a beginner or seasoned developer, take a look at http://www.plsqlpackages.com where you will find practical lessons and tips on developing with the PL/SQL language from a developer with 15 years experience. Best practice for PLSQL Packages also covered.