Oracle – 37 – Sequences Commits and rollbacks Exception

In Oracle, sequences, commits, rollbacks, and exceptions are important concepts related to data management, transaction control, and error handling. Here’s a brief description of each:

1. Sequences:

  • Purpose: Sequences are database objects used to generate unique numeric values, typically for primary key columns. They provide a way to obtain unique values without relying on manual data entry or the use of natural keys.
Syntax for Sequence Creation:
CREATE SEQUENCE sequence_name
START WITH start_value
INCREMENT BY increment_value
MINVALUE min_value
MAXVALUE max_value
CYCLE | NOCYCLE;
  • Use Cases: Sequences are commonly used for generating surrogate keys in tables, ensuring uniqueness in columns, and maintaining data integrity.

2. Commits and Rollbacks:

  • Purpose: Commits and rollbacks are transaction control statements used to manage changes made to the database within a transaction.
  • Commits: The COMMIT statement is used to save the changes made within a transaction to the database permanently.
  • Rollbacks: The ROLLBACK statement is used to undo the changes made within a transaction, effectively reverting the database to its previous state.
  • Use Cases: Commits are used when a transaction is complete and its changes should be permanently saved. Rollbacks are used to undo the effects of a transaction when an error occurs or when the changes should not be applied.

3. Exceptions:

  • Purpose: Exceptions are used to handle errors and exceptional conditions that may occur during the execution of PL/SQL code.
Syntax for Exception Handling:
BEGIN
  -- PL/SQL code
EXCEPTION
  WHEN exception_name1 THEN
    -- Handle exception 1
  WHEN exception_name2 THEN
    -- Handle exception 2
  [OTHERS]
    -- Handle other exceptions
END;
  • Use Cases: Exceptions are essential for gracefully handling errors in PL/SQL programs. They allow developers to catch and respond to specific errors or unexpected conditions, preventing abrupt program termination.

These concepts are fundamental to Oracle database development and transaction management. Sequences provide unique values for keys, commits and rollbacks ensure data consistency, and exception handling allows for graceful error management in PL/SQL programs. Understanding and effectively using these concepts is crucial for building robust and reliable database applications.