I will be given a job offer by an IT company, and was asked to "look at" PL/SQL since I didn't have much experience with databases. I have an extensive background in C++ among other programming languages, so I don't think this will pose too much of a challenge. However, I don't have access to any Oracle database at home, so I was wondering if there is a "toy" database and terminal online where I can practice.
To learn PL/SQL language you just need a text editor like atom or sublime text. You can also install MySQL.
The answer is that PL/SQL is not growing, but not going away either. Because it is used in the Oracle database, and the Oracle database is a fixture of enterprise systems world-wide, it will outlive you. High-performance batch processing has to happen close to the data, so PL/SQL will continue to rule in this area.
Register yourself an account at APEX ONLINE you have all of the tools for free available online, or simple download Oracle Database 10g Express Edition
I would suggest a higher priority would be to learn the Relational model of data, then SQL.
If you don't start with a solid understanding of the RM, you're more likely to tend to use procedural solutions where a set-based approach is better.
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