This book considers some often-used aspects of the relational database management system (RDBMS) ORACLE. The authors assume that the reader is familiar with some common computing terms and concepts, but RDBMS terms are defined in sufficient detail at the beginning of the book. After that the structure of the ORACLE system is explained: the book describes the main compon- ents and the functions that they carry out. The book is based on version 5.0, and the differences between this and the earlier versions are pointed out. The basic interfaces between the user and the ORACLE database--structured query language (SQL) and SQL*PLUS--are looked through from brief descriptions to an examination of each statement. The usage of nearly all the statements is illustrated by examples. Unfortunately, the differences between this version of SQL and the standard are not outlined. This would make learning ORACLE much easier for those users who know other RDBMSs.

Some basic concepts of database design are discussed in the book. These are database normalization concepts: a few words are said about first to fourth normal forms. But the semantic entity-relationship approach is not mentioned in the book at all.

To install ORACLE it is necessary to have a database administrator (DBA). The book provides detailed descriptions of DBA functions: enrolling and dropping users, changing ORACLE parameters, journaling, and auditing. The space for the database has to be estimated by the DBA. One must take into consideration that data will be inserted, updated, and deleted. These functions are substantially described in the book and are necessary while installing ORACLE. Connections between ORACLE and the operating system are described as well. Connections are provided by data files--either by loading tables or by backup files.

For multiuser systems it is necessary to lock data to ensure that changes occur in the proper order. Several types of locking permitted in ORACLE are examined in the book. The examples demonstrating the dynamic of execution of this locking could be clearer. A more experienced user can obtain some idea of how to optimize the system performance by indexing, clustering, and logical grouping (the last with the help of COMMIT and ROLLBACK statements).

To arrange the result of a database query, the ORACLE report writer can be used. Many detailed examples are given to explain how to work with it. SQL*FORMS gives more powerful possibilities. The user can use it to “paint” the form on the screen or on paper. It also gives a means of checking integrity constraints by triggers and user exits.

This book can be useful to those who want to amplify the information that is presented in company documentation.