AboutKrishna Prasad Expertise Data Warehousing and Data Modelling, Cube Building, Data Migration Strategies and Middleware aspects
Experience Several large scale data warehousing and data migration projects. Built a data warehouse of 7 Terrabytes for an organization. Was involved in cradle-to-grave (data architecture to implementation and testing) of a large scale data warehouse effort, in a control position.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Technology and MBA
Expert: Krishna Prasad Date: 11/14/2007 Subject: migrate to oracle
Question resp. sir,
I have a fair knowledge of FoxPro system of database mgmt. and programming related to data, at present i comfortably manage my small to medium data in this language.
But due to its shortcomings, as felt strongly in recent times when everything revolves around sophistication, and
reluctance of its manufacturers to continue support for it,
i am thinking about learning Oracle from scratch and then gradually migrating to it completely.
i seek your expert opinion guiding me on :-
1) whether this language (Oracle) is as simple or easy to learn for a student of MS FoxPro.
2) is this language an ultimate solution to all database management issues.
3) my database involves a lot of programming interface, will it be as simple.
4) will the migration be a smooth sailing.
please let me have your expert advice and oblige.
thank you, i appreciate,
DDY
Answer DDY,
I can answer your questions but please bear this in mind.
1. I only give my perspective in this. I am not giving my comments based on any authorized source but only based on a number of years of experience in the field. So, you may want to do your own research on the internet to validate my statements.
2. I cannot offer comments on whether it is the right choice to learn Oracle from a career perspective. Depending on the context it may or may not. I have no expertise or market awareness in this area.
If you take my answer in the above context, I believe it would serve you best.
Oracle has (or had, a few years ago) 60-70% of all database markets and so it is definitely an asset to know. It is a product which has parts that are very easy to understand, and if you have been a foxPro developer, the database part will be familiar to you.
However, it does not have the foxPro script (which originated from Ashton-Tate's DBase III if I am not mistaken). The interface is very different and much simpler. However, if you have been using embedded SQL (or SQL interface to foxPro) extensively, then it is much the same. There are some additions to do sophisticated things, but those can be easily learnt.
You will have to learn PL/SQL which is new and its Forms and Reports interfaces, but that is not difficult either, if you have been working on any kind of database product before. This will be the programming interface you asked about.
No database is the 'ultimate' solution to all DBMS issues. It is the people who use it who can provide the solution. There are things Oracle cannot do, which is why there are so many niche products (Cognos for example) that fill the gap.
There are really sophisticated features in Oracle that would be difficult to master (DBA like activities) but you can go there step by step - no need to learn everything at one go.
You need a plan for migration depending on what area you want to learn. (Yes, Oracle can be so big that you cannot learn all of its features in detail) and if you plan well, the transition can be rewarding and productive.
