What is Oracle Databases ?

Oracle Database, along with SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM Db2, stands as a dominant force in the relational database management system (RDBMS) market. According to DB-Engines, Oracle ranks first among the top 380 RDBMS, surpassing MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. Founded in 1977 by Lawrence J. Ellison, the American company offers various products and services, with Oracle Database remaining its flagship product. As of October 2021, it has reached its long-term version 19c and Innovation version 21c.
Oracle Database has established itself in the IT environments of numerous enterprises. Structured based on a relational database model, it organizes and displays data in organized sets, allowing businesses to store and view data efficiently. Oracle Database is versatile, supporting usage in both on-premises and cloud environments.

How Oracle Database work ?

Similar to other RDBMS, Oracle Database utilizes the standardized SQL (Structured Query Language) for creating database structures, managing datasets, performing tasks, and retrieving data. Oracle’s proprietary PL/SQL programming language, closely related to SQL, extends its capabilities with Oracle-specific programming extensions. Oracle structures its databases using tables that consist of multiple rows and columns, where data points are interconnected by attributes. Efficient access to all tables is facilitated without unnecessary delays.
The architecture of Oracle Database comprises a database storing its files, one or more database instances managing the data, and one or more listener processes connecting database clients to instances. This separation of logical and physical data structures ensures reliability in data management and maximum security through data and network encryption, strict authentication, authorization solutions, and their analysis. Additionally, Oracle supports Java and can leverage Java programming with PL/SQL.

Key Oracle Database tools

To develop and enhance Oracle databases, several development and management tools are provided by Oracle:

  • SQL*Plus: A command-line tool for database management, allowing the execution of commands, querying data, and modifying or deleting database files. Proficiency in SQL is required to use SQL*Plus.
  • Oracle SQL Developer: A free Java program with a graphical user interface for creating or modifying database projects, managing SQL scripts, performing database analysis, and generating or debugging PL/SQL procedures.
  • Oracle Data Modeler: A free tool mainly for database designers, enabling the design of logical models for databases or entity-relationship models. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, representation of complex database structures, and exporting of database structures to Oracle SQL Developer.
  • Oracle Enterprise Manager Database Control: A web-based Oracle Database management tool with a graphical user interface.
  • Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control: A flexible web-based management tool for Oracle environments, supporting multiple databases, clusters, or standby systems.
  • Oracle JDeveloper: An Oracle development tool with an integrated environment for Oracle and Java, facilitating the development of database applications.

Oracle Database Editions and Applications

Today, Oracle Database products come in four main editions applicable to different business sizes.

  • Express Edition: The Express Edition is a free version suitable for various clients, offering a free database for training or small applications. It supports PHP, Java, XML, and .NET languages. The Express Edition is free, with available memory limited to 4 GB and RAM to 1 GB. It includes a single processor.
  • Standard Edition: Medium and large enterprises are likely to opt for the Standard Edition. It provides intuitive installation and configuration, automated features for management, efficient and clear administration for large datasets, and extensive compatibility with popular data types and applications.
  • Enterprise Edition: The Enterprise Edition is the deluxe version of Oracle Database, one of the most expensive RDBMS on the market. It is virtually unlimited in terms of storage, development, and management capabilities, making it suitable for large enterprises dealing with substantial data volumes. Reliable data protection and security features against data loss, power outages, and software errors complement its advantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of Oracle Database

The advantages and disadvantages of Oracle depend on users’ requirements, needs, financial capabilities, technical skills, and programming knowledge. One of the main advantages is the « database as a service » model, allowing users to store and manage relational databases in Oracle’s Cloud infrastructure, optimizing CPU, hardware, and storage usage and outsourcing administrative tasks.

Advantages:

  • Strong compatibility with all platforms and applications.
  • Support from major software and hardware manufacturers.
  • Different editions, from free to Enterprise level.
  • Prevalent use in the enterprise IT sector.
  • Optional outsourcing and automation of database management in the Oracle Cloud.
  • Large developer community and high-quality Oracle support.
  • Reliable data security and protection features.

Disadvantages:

  • Good knowledge of SQL and administrative experience in database management needed for the local (on-premises) version.
  • High Oracle license prices (approximately €17,000 for Standard Edition and €40,000 for Enterprise Edition).
  • Rigorous hardware requirements associated with the on-premises version.