As documentation of a product that incorporates a highly reliable database server, a set of utilities, and a development environment,
Oracle8i: The Complete Reference essentially sets out to do the impossible. The great thing is that it succeeds. For all but the most obscure and situation-specific Oracle8i questions that database administrators (DBAs) and developers might have, this book is almost certain to have the information they need. It explains all the essentials with a straightforward combination of prose, conceptual diagrams, and code listings, so even new Oracle DBAs will derive a lot of use from the authors' work. The key concepts--including relational database design, and queries that use SQL and PL/SQL--get lots of attention. Many details seem to come up at least twice, so readers get a couple of angles on a given subject.
This book isn't a rehash of earlier editions, any more than Oracle8i itself is a rehash of its predecessors. The authors pay special attention to the new aspects of the Oracle environment, particularly to those having to do with stored procedures and Oracle's deepening relationship with the Java programming language. Don't expect to learn Java from the ground up in these pages, but look forward to a comprehensive statement of how Java code (and SQLJ queries) can make your Oracle applications more capable and platform-independent. Every Oracle DBA (and probably every Oracle developer, too) should keep this volume on hand; it's a definitive reference. Although the book isn't designed specifically as a study aid, you certainly could use it as a guide while preparing for Oracle certification. --David Wall
Topics covered: Administration of Oracle databases, and development of applications based upon them. Administrators of Oracle7.x, 8.0.x, and 8i systems will appreciate the sections on performance tuning, optimization, backup, recovery, and general relational database design. Readers with more of a development bent will like the coverage of SQL, PL/SQL, stored procedures, and Oracle's Java features. Sample code appears on a companion CD-ROM, as well as in print.
User review
Essential Reference
This is an absolutely essential reference for Oracle. Though you probably want to buy the new edition, Oracle 9i: The Complete Reference. I don't recommend these for reading straight through, just as terrific references. Both editions include the book on CD that I keep installed on my laptop and other development machines. It is very, very handy.
User review
not so bad were it not for the title
I can't tell you how many times I have pulled this book off the shelf to look something up, only to laugh to myself at the title: 'complete' referecnce as I put the book back down without an answer. This book IS a reference, but it is in NO WAY complete.
'Lots of stuff' != 'Complete Reference'
User review
Wins MOST POORLY ORGANIZED AWARD
Of all the reference books for computer science subjects that I own, I have yet to find a book more poorly organized. Sure, there MIGHT be a lot of information in there, but if you can't find it, what good is it?
It is really a pitiful mess. My advice - Buy almost anything else about Oracle, leave this one to collect dust.
User review
A must have for Oracle developers
As a Java developer using Oracle, this book was a must. My knowledge of Oracle was limited, without this book I do not believe we could have written our application.
I have several bookmarks which point to key information like how to create users, rebuilding interMedia indexes, etc.
But like another reviewer said, the book is thick yet shallow.
It does lack any significant explanation of its content. Regardless, it is still a great reference even for newbies.
User review
A MUST For Any Developer
Oracle 8i: The Complete Reference should be in your library if you are a developer. It has everything you need to design and maintain your database. It really comes in handy when you need to create SQL statements, write PL/SQL, or just figure out what function you need to use. I am not a DBA (I'm a web developer), but I pull this book out everyday to do what I need to get my data from the database to my application. I couldn't live without it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with Oracle.
