In this issue:

• Handy New Script for Comparing Data in Two Oracle Schemas
• Advice from the Oracles of Oracle
• Java for PL/SQL Developers
• Applications Users Group Meeting in January
• Thank You to Our Readers!

Looking for a valuable script for comparing data in two Oracle schemas? You'll find one on the Database Specialists website! This script reads all the rows in a specified list of tables in one Oracle schema and compares the data row for row against tables with the same names in another schema. You'll get a report with summary counts of differing rows, and SQL queries you can run to view all of the data discrepancies. You can specify columns to exclude from the comparison, such as creation timestamps or IDs generated by a sequence. This script can be quite helpful when data in multiple schemas is supposed to be the same and you want to make sure that it is. This includes situations such as comparing seed data in separate databases, validating regression test data in a QA environment, or testing data load scripts. Download this script and many others at http://www.dbspecialists.com/scripts.html.

Advice from the "Oracles of Oracle"

Oracle OpenWorld ended with the "Oracles of Oracle" panel discussion on December 7. Each panel member was asked to share a piece of advice for those working with Oracle technology. Here is some of the advice they shared.

• Be well-networked because you don't have all the answers.
• Don't be shy about learning from others. You will become much better at what you do.
• Make sure you execute on the basics. Always remember to focus on tuning, testing backup and recovery plans, and so on.
• Try to live in your customers' shoes. Look at their behavior, desires, and their requirements. Try to empathize with where they're coming from and what they need.
• Everyone is willing to give you advice. You should hear what they have to say, and then listen to your gut. It takes everything into consideration.

The panel members were: Ian Abramson - DataVisions; Bill Burke - I2; Ari Kaplan - Expand Beyond; Roger Schrag - Database Specialists; Matt Swann - Amazon.com; Joe Trezzo - TUSC.

Java for PL/SQL Developers

If you've ever wondered about the similarities and differences between Java and PL/SQL, here's your chance to get some insight. At last month's Northern California Oracle Users Group quarterly conference, Joe Greenwald of ODK Incorporated led a technical session that shed some light on how Java and PL/SQL differ in such areas as development tools, data types, and reusability. Download this presentation as well as many others at http://www.nocoug.org/presentations.htm

Applications Users Group Meeting in January

The Northern California Oracle Applications Users Group will be holding their next regional Training Day at the PG&E Learning Center in San Ramon, California on January 23rd, 2002. Starting with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and running through 4:00 p.m., this will be a jam-packed day of opportunities to learn and exchange information with your peers about Oracle Applications. There will be six concurrent learning tracks to choose from.

This event costs only $40 if you register in advance. Visit the NorCalOAUG website at http://www.norcaloaug.org to learn more about the sessions and to register.

Thank You to Our Readers!

As this year draws quickly to a close, we'd like to take a moment to thank all of you for the continued success of The Specialist. We are happy to share some of the exciting news in the Oracle community as well as provide resources to help you as Oracle users. Best wishes for the upcoming New Year!