Fully Leveraging Oracle Utilities and Features
There was a time when DBAs got by with “straight” SQL and database configuration commands (either on the command line in SQL*Plus or through graphical interfaces like Oracle’s Enterprise Manager). Today, DBAs must be able to write at least enough PL/SQL code to implement database and schema triggers, automate many administrative tasks through the use of native dynamic SQL (NDS) and other DDL execution mechanisms, and thoroughly utilize the many new features exposed through Oracle’s built-in packages (from streams to queues to replication strategies to cost-based optimizer analysis). If PL/SQL is a stumbling block for you, in terms of your ability to provide optimal database administration for your organization, you will not be able to do your job as effectively as you should.