Gotchas with the Oracle DATE Datatype

DATE is a common datatype. Most transactions in a database have a date associated with them for tracking purposes. When was the order made? When is the order expected to be delivered? When was it actually delivered? And so on. Querying dates, however, takes some attention to detail as there are many details to consider … Continue reading Gotchas with the Oracle DATE Datatype

Null Parameters in WHERE Conditions

When building a procedure, I want to be able to pass a parameter or pass a NULL if I don't want to search by a parameter. Some people will tell you to accomplish this that you should write a dynamic SQL statement so you can add or remove parameters as needed. I avoid Dynamic SQL … Continue reading Null Parameters in WHERE Conditions

Setting the SESSIONS Parameter

The SESSIONS parameter determines the maximum number of sessions that can be created in a system. So, it is basically the number of users that can be logged into the system at one time. BUT, it also needs to include the number of background processes running because they run in sessions, as well. Let's see … Continue reading Setting the SESSIONS Parameter

Load a Photo or BLOB for Testing

If you work with an application where you have to save BLOBs, such as an ID card app, you'll run into this situation. You've just made a procedure that needs testing, but you need a BLOB to test it. In a few simple steps, you can have that BLOB. The following will load a file … Continue reading Load a Photo or BLOB for Testing