Introduction to the Oracle “Back-end” Tools:

    1- Hands-On 01: Developer Tools (Schema Builder)

    2- Hands-On 02: Developer Tools (Query Builder)

    3- Hands-On 03: Developer Tools (Procedure Builder)

Introduction to the Oracle “Front-end” Tools:

    4- Hands-On 04: Developer Tools (Form Builder)

    5- Hands-On 05: Developer Tools (Report Builder)

    6- Hands-On 06: Developer Tools (Graphics Builder)

Before going through your Hands-On training, lets take note of the following important definitions to remember:

• Oracle Developer Tools contain “back-end” and “front-end” development tools.

• The “Back-End” development tool consists of Schema Builder, Query Builder, and Procedure Builder.

• The “Front-End” development tool consists of Form Builder, Report Builder, and Graphics Builder.

• Schema Builder allows you to define the tables, views, snapshots, synonyms, constraints, and table relationships that will make up your database. You can visualize your database design, including the tables, columns, data types, and relationships.  Then execute that design.

• Query Builder facilitates your writing of simple or complex query.  You can save your query at your client-side.  It allows you to set your table relationships and visualize the database objects being linked, including the tables, columns, and datatypes.

• Procedure Builder allows you to develop stored procedures, functions, packages, and triggers in Oracle.  Many developers have found the SQL*PLUS and favorite text editor approach cumbersome.  You use Procedure Builder for ease of writing program development, debugging, and version control.

• Form Builder will be used to simplify the creation of data-entry screens or Forms. Forms are the applications that connect to a database, retrieve information requested by the user, present it in a layout specified by the form’s designer, and allow the user to modify or add information.  Form Builder allows you to build forms quickly and easily.

• Report Builder is used to create on output reports from your database.  Reports display data in a layout specified by the report’s designer.  It often includes subtotals, summaries, and graphics to help decision makers see the “big picture.”  Report Builder has a wizard that walks you through creating a very complex report quickly and easily.

• Graphics Builder lets you create interactive graphical displays of the data in a database. You can include these graphics in your forms or reports.  Graphics Builder provides a complete set of drawing and editing tools, along with a Chart Wizard to simplify the process of using the tools.

• Object Navigator will be used on all development tools.  It gives you a hierarchical listing of all the modules open in your current session.  You use this listing to navigate to, and work on, those objects.  It gives you access to all database objects you own or have grant to, and a list of all the built-in functions and procedures.  Clicking on the plus sign next to an object in the Object Navigator will expand the object and clicking on the minus sign will collapse the object.

• Property Palette contains object properties.  The contents of the Property Palette are referred to as the “Property sheet” for the object.  You use the Property Palette to modify object properties.  To open the Property Palette of an object, go to the object and right click on the mouse then select Property Palette.

Now, you should first read your case study, and try to solve the questions.  Then play the Hands-On training movie until you become familiar with this subject.  For more information, you are encouraged to read from a wide selection of available books.

Good luck!