[...]... calculators In fact, most programming languages go far beyond the calculator functions Oracle s SQL contains a rich variety of functions We can categorize Oracle s SQL functions into simple SQL functions, numeric functions, statistical functions, string functions, and date functions In this chapter, we selectively illustrate several functions in each of these categories We start by discussing simple SQL functions. .. programming perspective to them This book will allow the Oracle user to use SQL in new and exciting ways This book contains nine chapters It begins by reviewing some of the common SQL functions and techniques to help transition into the newer tools of Oracle 10g Chapter 1 reviews common Oracle functions Chapter 2 covers some common reporting tools in Oracle s SQL* Plus Chapter 3 introduces and discusses Oracle. .. We review some common reporting functions in Chapter 2 Our Approach to SQL In addition to a basic knowledge of SQL, we will call attention to “our way” of developing queries in SQL The way we develop queries in SQL is often by beginning with a simple command and then building upon it until the answer is found There are different approaches to building queries in SQL as in any other language One way... professionals as well as students, but it is not a SQL primer Readers of this book are expected to have previously used Oracle, SQL* Plus, and, to some extent, PL /SQL This book can be used for individual study or reference, in advanced Oracle training settings, and in advanced xi Preface database classes in schools It is meant for those familiar with SQL programming since most of the topics present not only the... tools into a set of topics for exploiting Oracle 10g s SQL We have also briefly reviewed some older tools that will help transition to the new material This book mainly addresses advanced topics in SQL with a focus on SQL functions for Oracle 10g The functions and methods we cover include the analytical functions, MODEL statements, regular expressions, and object-oriented/collection structures We also introduce... Oracle 10g Chapter 9 introduces by example the bridges between SQL and XML, one of the most important topics Oracle professionals are expected to know today This book also has two appendices Appendix A illustrates string functions with examples, and Appendix B gives examples of some important statistical functions available in Oracle 10g Overall, this book explores advanced new features of SQL in Oracle. .. desirable, although some common functions are reviewed in Chapter 1 Functions have been refined and expanded as Oracle versions have evolved, culminating with the latest in Oracle 10g — analytical functions, MODEL statements, and regular expressions Additionally, the collection/object-oriented structures of later versions of Oracle are covered and xv Introduction include some unique functions as well Many people... discusses Oracle 10g s analytical functions, and Chapter 4 discusses Oracle 10g s aggregate functions that are used as analytical functions Chapter 5 looks at the use of analytical functions in reporting — for example, the use of GROUP BY, ROLLUP, and CUBE Chapter 6 discusses the MODEL or SPREADSHEET predicate in Oracle s SQL Chapter 7 covers the new regular expressions and string functions Chapter... numeric functions, which we divide into the following categories: common numerical manipulation functions, near value functions, null value functions, log and exponential functions, ordinary trigonometry functions, and hyperbolic trignometrical functions Common Numerical Manipulation Functions These are functions that are commonly used in numerical manipulations Examples of common numerical manipulation functions. .. gives: POWER(VALUE,2) -81 Ordinary Trigonometry Functions SQL s ordinary trigonometry functions include: SIN — Returns the sine of a value COS — Returns the cosine of a value TAN — Returns the tangent of a value The SIN, COS, and TAN functions take arguments in radians where, radians = (angle * 2 * 3.1416 / 360) To illustrate the use of the ordinary trigonometric functions, let’s suppose we have . used for individual study or reference, in advanced Oracle training settings, and in advanced xi database classes in schools. It is meant for those famil - iar with SQL programming since most. Analytical Functions in Oracle (Analytical Functions I) 53 What Are Analytical Functions? 53 The Row-numbering and Ranking Functions 55 The Order in Which the Analytical Function Is Processed in the SQL. Bagui Wordware Publishing, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging -in- Publication Data Earp, Richard, 1940- Advanced SQL functions in Oracle 10g / by Richard Walsh Earp and Sikha Saha Bagui. p. cm. Includes bibliographical