PL/SQL

Procedural Language:

PL/SQL is a procedural language extension to SQL that allows developers to write procedural code blocks within SQL statements. It includes features such as variables, control structures (e.g., loops, conditional statements), exception handling, and subprograms (e.g., procedures, functions) to enhance the functionality and flexibility of SQL.

Blocks:

PL/SQL code is organized into blocks, which are logical units of code that perform a specific task. A block consists of three sections: declaration, executable, and exception handling. Developers can define variables, perform operations, and handle exceptions within a PL/SQL block.

Variables:

Variables in PL/SQL are named storage locations used to store data temporarily during program execution. PL/SQL supports various data types for variables, including scalar types (e.g., INTEGER, VARCHAR2), composite types (e.g., RECORD, TABLE), and reference types (e.g., CURSOR, BOOLEAN).

Control Structures:

Control structures in PL/SQL are used to control the flow of execution within a program. PL/SQL supports control structures such as IF-THEN-ELSE statements, CASE statements, loops (e.g., FOR LOOP, WHILE LOOP), and GOTO statements for branching and looping operations.

Exceptions:

Exception handling in PL/SQL allows developers to handle errors and exceptions that occur during program execution gracefully. PL/SQL provides built-in exceptions for common error conditions, as well as mechanisms for defining custom exceptions and handling errors using TRY-CATCH blocks.

Subprograms:

Subprograms in PL/SQL are named blocks of code that can be called and executed independently within a program. PL/SQL supports two types of subprograms: procedures and functions. Procedures are used to perform a specific task, while functions return a value upon execution.

Packages:

Packages in PL/SQL are named schema objects that encapsulate related procedures, functions, variables, and other PL/SQL constructs into a single unit. Packages provide modularity, encapsulation, and namespace management for PL/SQL code, making it easier to organize and maintain large applications.

Triggers:

Triggers in PL/SQL are special types of stored procedures that are automatically executed in response to specific database events, such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE operations on tables. Triggers are used to enforce data integrity, implement business logic, and automate database tasks.

Cursors:

Cursors in PL/SQL are named programmatic constructs used to retrieve and process result sets returned by SQL queries. PL/SQL supports explicit and implicit cursors for iterating over query results, fetching rows, and performing data manipulation operations.

Dynamic SQL: