Oracle 12c: SQL

Introduce your students to the latest version of the fundamental SQL language used in all relational databases today with Casteel’s ORACLE 12C: SQL, 3E. Much more than a study guide, this edition helps you teach those who have only a basic knowledge of databases how to master the latest SQL and Oracle concepts and techniques. Students gain a strong understanding of how to use Oracle 12c SQL most effectively as they prepare for the first exam in the Oracle Database Administrator or Oracle Developer Certification Exam paths.

This edition initially focuses on creating database objects, including tables, constraints, indexes, sequences, manipulating data, and more. The author then explores data query techniques, such as row filtering, joins, single-row functions, aggregate functions, subqueries, and views, as well as advanced query topics. ORACLE 12C: SQL, 3E introduces the latest features and enhancements in 12c, from enhanced data types and invisible columns to new CROSS and OUTER APPLY methods for joins.To help students transition to further studies, appendixes introduce SQL tuning, compare Oracle's SQL syntax with other databases, and overview Oracle connection interface tools: SQL Developer and SQL Plus.

Trust ORACLE 12C: SQL, 3E to provide the knowledge students need for Oracle certification testing and the solid foundation for pursuing careers as a database administrator or developer.

New to this Edition

• NEW COVERAGE EXPLAINS EXTENDED DATA TYPES IN Ch.3. Students learn the advantages of extended data types and how to control the functionality of this new feature introduced in Oracle 12c.


• NUMEROUS NEW ORACLE 12C FEATURES ARE HIGHLIGHTED AND THOROUGHLY EXPLAINED. Students learn to use the new invisible columns in Ch. 3, new default column value option for NULL values in Ch. 5, new identity columns in Ch. 6, and default column value option to use a sequence in Ch. 6.


• STUDENTS LEARN TO MAXIMIZE NEW ENHANCEMENTS IN ORACLE 12C. This edition presents Oracle 12c changes and improvements throughout, emphasizing how to best use features, such as the enhancement to native left outer join, addressed in Ch.9, and the new pattern_matching_clause in Ch. 11 that demonstrates how Oracle can now easily recognize patterns found across multiple rows. In addition, this edition covers the use of WITH clause versus Subquery in Ch. 12; Top-N-Query enhancements in Ch. 13; and using the new Oracle 12c extensions, CROSS and OUTER APPLY methods for joins, in Ch. 13.

About the Author

Joan E. Casteel combines more than 15 years of hands-on experience in application development in various business environments with strong teaching skills to clarify important application and software concepts for today's readers. An award-winning instructor, Ms. Casteel serves as associate professor of information technology and business at Tidewater Community College, where she has been an integral part of the Database Specialist curriculum. She has joined a newly formed team at the college in charge of building a campus ID card program to encompass four campuses, using a recently deployed Oracle-based system. In addition the team is developing new Oracle APEX applications to improve college-wide financial services support. Ms. Casteel has been recognized by her colleagues for her professional accomplishments, including creating an Oracle virtual machine image for students and handling recruitment efforts for database specialist career studies. Ms. Casteel is the author of two successful books on Oracle from Course Technology, part of Cengage Learning, covering SQL and PL/SQL which serve as the introductory course sequence in the college’s database career path.