The vast majority of Oracle SQL books discuss some syntax, provide the barest rudiments of using Oracle SQL, and perhaps include a few simple examples. It might be enough to pass a survey course, or give you some buzz words to drop in conversation with real Oracle DBAs. But if you use Oracle SQL on a regular basis, you want much more. You want to access the full power of SQL to write queries in an Oracle environment. You want a solid understanding of what’s possible with Oracle SQL, creative techniques for writing effective and accurate queries, and the practical, hands-on information that leads to true mastery of the language. Simply put, you want useful, expert best practices that can be put to work immediately, not just non-vendor specific overview or theory. Updated to cover the latest version of Oracle, Oracle 10g, this edition of the highly regarded Mastering Oracle SQL has a stronger focus on technique and on Oracle’s implementation of SQL than any other book on the market. It covers Oracle s vast library of built-in functions, the full range of Oracle SQL query-writing features, regular expression support, new aggregate and analytic functions, subqueries in the SELECT and WITH clauses, multiset union operators, enhanced support for hierarchical queries: leaf and loop detection, and the CONNECT_BY_ROOT operator, new partitioning methods (some introduced in Oracle9i Release 2), and the native XML datatype, XMLType. Mastering Oracle SQL, 2nd Edition fills the gap between the sometimes spotty vendor documentation, and other books on SQL that just don’t explore the full depth of what is possible with Oracle-specific SQL. For those who want to harness the untapped (and often overlooked) power of Oracle SQL, this essential guide for putting Oracle SQL to work will prove invaluable.

Learn cutting-edge technology from Oracle experts

Written by Oracle insiders, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Real Application Clusters — low-cost hardware platforms that can rival and exceed the quality of service, availability, and scalability of the most expensive mainframe systems.

• Concepts covered are applicable to all previous versions of Oracle
• Tuning and troubleshooting tips, providing insight on the most advanced diagnostics available
• Detailed coverage of advanced RAC concepts
• Working code for all examples available online

From the Back Cover
Learn to Implement Oracle Real Application Clusters Technology from the Ground Up

Maximize database availability, scalability, and efficiency using Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC) and the in-depth information contained in this Oracle Press guide. Oracle Database 10g Real Application Clusters Handbook explains RAC concepts, administration, tuning, and troubleshooting. Inside, you’ll learn how to prepare and create Oracle RAC databases and servers, and automate administrative tasks. You’ll also get full coverage of cutting-edge Oracle RAC diagnostic tools, backup and recovery procedures, performance tweaks, and custom application design strategies.

• Install, configure, and administer Oracle Database 10g Real Application Clusters
• Use Automatic Storage Management and manage the disk groups
• Administer Oracle RAC databases and instances, and manage the Services voting disk
• Implement workload management, intelligent load balancing, and Transparent Application Failover (TAF)
• Execute RAC backup and recovery operations
• Analyze and tune performance using AWR and AWR reports
• Understand the internals of lock and resource management in RAC
• Troubleshoot Oracle RAC databases with LMON traces, LMD traces, and alert logs
• Design and debug applications that run on Oracle Real Application Clusters

The Most Complete Guide to Maximizing Oracle Recovery Manager

Deploy a rock-solid data backup and disaster recovery strategy with the in-depth guidance of this authoritative volume. From the exclusive publishers of Oracle Press books, Oracle Database 10g RMAN Backup & Recovery shows you, step by step, how to set up RMAN-ready databases, create reliable backup tapes and discs, and perform accurate Oracle system restores. Find out how to use RMAN from the command line and from Enterprise Manager, generate meaningful lists and reports, and automate administrative tasks using third-party media management tools. Plus, you’ll learn to perform incremental backups, Flashback recoveries, and database cloning.

• Set up, configure, and maintain Oracle Database 10g RMAN
• Use RMAN recovery catalogs, target database packages, and control files
• Centralize backup tape management using Oracle Secure Backup
• Perform online, offline, and incremental system backups
• Monitor and tune performance with Enterprise Manager Grid Control and Database Control
• Accomplish complete and partial RMAN database restores
• Improve functionality using VERITAS NetBackup, EMC NetWorker Module, and Tivoli Storage Manager
• Overcome human errors using Flashback Versions Query and Transaction Query
• Create clone and standby databases from tape and disc backups
• Work with Real Application Cluster (RAC) databases and sync-and-split hardware technologies