Nested tables versus index-by tables, PL-SQL Programming

Assignment Help:

Nested Tables versus Index-by Tables

The Index-by tables and nested tables are just similar. For e.g.  They have similar structure and their individual elements are accessed in the similar way (by using subscript notation). The main distinction is that the nested tables can be stored in a database column (and hence the word "nested table") while the index-by tables cannot.

The Nested tables extend the functionality of the index-by tables by letting you SELECT,
INSERT, DELETE, and UPDATE nested tables stored in the database. (Keep in mind, that index-by tables cannot be stored in the database). Some collection methods also operate only on the nested tables and varrays. For example, the built-in procedure TRIM cannot be applied to the index-by tables.

Another merit of the nested tables is that an uninitialized nested table is automatically null (that is, the table itself is null, not its elements), while an uninitialized index-by table is simply empty. Therefore, you can apply the IS NULL comparison operator to the nested tables but not to index-by tables.

Though, index-by tables also have some merits. For example, the PL/SQL supports implicit (automatic) datatype conversion between the host arrays and index-by tables (but not nested tables). Therefore, the most efficient way to pass collections to and from the database server is to use the anonymous PL/SQL blocks to bulk-bind input and output host arrays to the index-by tables.


Related Discussions:- Nested tables versus index-by tables

Using aliases-declarations in sql, Using Aliases The Select-list items f...

Using Aliases The Select-list items fetched from a cursor related with the %ROWTYPE should have simple names or, if they are expressions, should have aliases. In the example bel

Theory of eternity of life - origin of life, THEO R Y OF ETERNITY OF LIFE...

THEO R Y OF ETERNITY OF LIFE (PRAYER - 1880) - The theory of eternity of life, also called the steady-state theory , states that life has ever been in existence as at presen

Defining and declaring collections, Defining and Declaring Collections T...

Defining and Declaring Collections To create the collections, you must define a collection type, and then declare the collections of that type. You can define the VARRAY types a

I want customer management program, This is a Customer Management project. ...

This is a Customer Management project. Customer data is presented in a text file. The program will load this text data into its DB columns. The data mapping is user definable. User

Write a pl-sql program using the implicit cursor, Question: a) Given th...

Question: a) Given the following relation: Location(loc_id, bldg_code, room, capacity) The underlined field is a primary key. (i) Write a PL/SQL program using the impl

Packaging cursors, Packaging Cursors   You can split a cursor specific...

Packaging Cursors   You can split a cursor specification from its body for placement in a package. In that way, you can change the cursor body without changing the cursor spec

Loop labels- iterative control, Loop Labels Like the PL/SQL blocks, loop...

Loop Labels Like the PL/SQL blocks, loops can also be labeled. The label, an undeclared identifier enclosed by double angle brackets, should appear at the beginning of the LOOP

Existential quantification - sql, Existential Quantification - SQL Ex...

Existential Quantification - SQL Existential quantification-stating that something is true of at least one object under consideration-can be expressed by OR(r,c), meaning tha

Data types in sql - xml, Data Types in SQL - XML, Array, Row ...

Data Types in SQL - XML, Array, Row BINARY LARGE OBJECT for arbitrarily large bit strings. XML for XML documents and fragments. ARRAY types for arrays.

Delimiters, Delimiters A delimiter is a simple or compound symbol whi...

Delimiters A delimiter is a simple or compound symbol which has a special meaning to PL/SQL. For example, you use delimiters to symbolize an arithmetic operation like additio

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd