This course is designed for experienced Oracle database administrators and software developers looking to enhance their programming expertise. Master advanced techniques including high-performance program design, packages, cursors, collections, large object management, and more.
Oracle Advanced PL-SQL
Transform complex data challenges into high-performance solutions
This course draws on the latest Oracle features to help you solve complex challenges with confidence. From optimising code to managing large data sets and integrating with external systems, you’ll develop the knowledge and capability to design and maintain PL/SQL solutions that deliver real business impact.
Learning objectives
- Optimise PL/SQL code for performance
- Create and manage collections effectively
- Manipulate large objects with advanced techniques
- Implement fine-grained access control
- Apply best practices to secure PL/SQL code
- Execute external programs from PL/SQL
- Utilise Oracle-supplied packages
- Identify and resolve performance issues
What you’ll learn
Learn how to enhance the speed and security of your databases. Covering topics such as implementing real-time data access control and identifying code bottlenecks, the course will teach you how to develop secure, high-performance Oracle applications.
Advanced code design
Explore techniques for creating clean, modular code that is easier to manage, maintain, and enhance over time. This includes understanding how to define subtypes that improve clarity and consistency, and how to use cursor variables to make data retrieval more efficient. By focusing on structure and readability as well as execution speed, you’ll develop PL/SQL programs that not only run faster but are also easier to debug, adapt and scale.
Integrating external programmes
Learn how to extend PL/SQL functionality by connecting it with external C and Java programs, enabling you to leverage existing code and system-level processes within your database environment. The course covers setting up and securing libraries, managing permissions, and ensuring smooth, efficient communication between PL/SQL and external routines without compromising performance or security.
Managing large objects
Gain the skills to work confidently with large object data types, from storing and retrieving extensive files to managing binary and character LOBs. The course explores best practices for using BFILEs and temporary LOBs, and shows you how to optimise storage with Oracle SecureFile features such as compression, encryption and deduplication, ensuring both performance and data integrity.
Diagnostics and profiling
Learn how to use Oracle’s built-in tracing and profiling tools to monitor code behaviour and gain detailed insights into execution flow. By identifying performance bottlenecks and inefficient routines early, you’ll be able to make targeted improvements that enhance speed, reliability, and maintainability, ensuring your PL/SQL applications perform optimally in real-world environments.
What’s included
- 3 days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
- Interactive hands-on live labs
- All relevant course materials
- Course completion certificate
Key facts
Ideal for
Developers and DBAs who currently work with PL/SQL and want to learn more about its more advanced features.
Prerequisites
You should have practical experience using Oracle SQL and PL/SQL. We’d recommend you first complete our Oracle SQL, Oracle PL/SQL, or Oracle PL/SQL Stored Program Units course.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
Discover how to build better, faster, and safer Oracle PL/SQL code. You’ll learn advanced techniques that’ll help you save time, reduce risk, and enhance performance.
Which Oracle versions does the course cover?
We cover Oracle 12cR2, 18c and 19c. You’ll learn techniques that apply across these versions, including features introduced in 12c that are still relevant in today’s environments.
How will the Oracle Advanced PL/SQL course help my career development?
This course builds your expertise in advanced PL/SQL programming, equipping you with in-demand skills such as performance optimisation, security implementation, and complex data handling. These capabilities are highly valued by employers and can enhance your ability to manage business-critical systems, putting you in a strong position for career progression and new opportunities in database development or administration.
What are collections in PL/SQL?
Collections are data structures in PL/SQL that store multiple values as a single unit, enabling efficient handling of related data sets. The main types are associative arrays, nested tables, and varrays, each suited to different scenarios.
How is fine-grained access control implemented in Oracle PL/SQL?
Fine-grained access control (FGAC) allows you to restrict user access to specific rows or columns of data, based on policies and application contexts. In this course, you’ll work with Oracle’s DBMS_RLS package to create and manage these policies, ensuring that users only access data they are authorised to see.
What our customers say
“The course was particularly good and certainly took my PL/SQL to another level. A lot of extremely useful stuff beyond programming. And certainly gave ideas what is possible.”
Caroline, Oracle Advanced PL/SQL learner
“Always good courses from StayAhead. Tutor explained the course very well.”
Paul, Development Analyst, Application Support – Transport
Why study with StayAhead
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30+ years’ experience
Industry-leading specialists delivering high-impact IT training
Experiential instructor-led training
Courses are delivered by experienced instructors using hands-on, practical live labs