Oracle Database

Cotta

Morning All,

1. I'm confused as to the concept of an Oracle database, I know it's an Object Relational Database but what exactly does this mean?

2. I would use MS Access if I ever had to use a database and I know it's a relational database which can provide relationships between the various tables within the database, however can these databases be manipulated with SQL code?

Thanks

jaydeeuk1

1) Rather than trying to explain it, have a read

2) Yes. Some syntax and commands may be slightly different between oracle and access, not used oracle since uni days. What sort of database? For a personal one access is fine, for something website or app driven have a look at SQL server express - its free up to a DB of a certain size (which you'll struggle to break). Its a lot more powerful too and you'll find far more help on the web on using it than access.

Doshwaster

Access and Oracle both use different "flavours" of SQL. They are similar but have different syntaxes and commands available.

Access is designed for small databases with a handful of users. Oracle can handle huge databases with many thousands of users. Access is fine if you want a record of your CD collection. A business such as Amazon or Ebay would need an enterprise class database such Oracle (though other high end databases are available).

In between those two extremes there are other database products such as Microsoft SQL Server which tend to be cheaper than Oracle for medium sized installations.

InsideInsurance

Access is designed for small projects as it contains both the actual database itself but also the ability to create the front end - forms, reports etc for users to interact with it.

With Access, you dont actually have to use its built in db but instead can use it for the front end only and then connect to Oracle or Ms SQL Server etc to provide the back end. I generally wouldnt do that intentionally however often something starts as Access and then as it grows the first step in upscaling is to replace the back end which can be done much easier than moving the back end onto Oracle and then redeveloping the front end in Java or .Net etc.

Historically SQL servers were very expensive but then came along MySQL and subsequently most of the other db servers have released a free "express" version with most the standard capabilities. Of cause they still dont have a user friendly front end so Access does still have a purpose in micro projects but its reason for being is continuing to reduce