Title: Oracle database packages, procedures, functions, and triggers: When and how to use them
Abstract: With Oracle7, application developers and database administrators have been given the means to store and reference procedural logic within the database itself. Used appropriately, these tools allow database developers to significantly enhance the capabilities of Oracle applications and operations. This paper examines the structure and use of these tools, and offers some guidelines to assist users in applying the tools to typical development problems. First, the advantages and disadvantages of implementing application logic within the database is discussed, as opposed to the traditional approach that codes application logic within end-user tools. Next, the specific syntax and construction of these database objects is examined. Some suggestions are offered on how to determine which tool, or combination of tools, to use in a given situation, and some tips on error handling and debugging are presented.