Oracle Newbie Question

[AndyApp]

Having only ever worked with SQL Server 97 and 2000 before I'm finding the switch to Oracle a bit difficult. Writing SQL scripts was never really my strong point and now I find Oracle has subtle differences to SQL Server.

What I used to like in SQL Server, and most "real" programmers will probably laugh, is enterprise manager and the ability to link SQL Server databases into access. Both of these made it far easier to write complicated SQL statements.

Is there anything similar for Oracle? I've got SQL Plus but it's just notepad really with the option of looking at the database.

Am using Oracle 9.2.0.3.0

"Life is like a Ferrari, it goes to fast.
But that's ok, because you can't afford it anyway" - Jim Davis (Garfield)

 

[SantaMufasa]

Andy,

There are a plethora of methods for Oracle (and most other databases) to effect cross-application direct access. Microsoft's Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) tools are amongst the most widely used. The Oracle Gateway products are also available to directly access other-vendor repositories.

BTW, in your signature, unless "Fast" is the name of an actual destination to which Ferraris go, you may wish to re-word your signature to read:

Life is like a Ferrari, it goes too fast...

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[

http://www.dasages.com:

Providing low-cost remote Database Admin services]
Click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips if you use Oracle in Utah USA.

 

[AndyApp]

now could you tell me that in non geek speak?? cross-application direct access? I have no idea what you've just said to me. ODBC, great but i have connectivity issues using that due to VPNs and network issues to where the actual DB is. Enterprise Manager for Oracle would be outstanding.

"Life is like a Ferrari, it goes to fast.
But that's ok, because you can't afford it anyway" - Jim Davis (Garfield)

 

[SantaMufasa]

1) Sorry, Andy, for the "geek speak"...

"cross-application direct access" -- getting at data you want straightaway (without using intermediate formats) from a source-software repository/format that differs from the target software repository/format.

Your desire to access Access from Oracle fits this scenario.

2)

i have connectivity issues using that [ODBC] due to VPNs and network issues to where the actual DB is.

If you have connectivity issues, how would SQL Server have overcome those same issues? If you have fundamental connectivity issues that preclude your accessing the data, will not/should not Oracle/SQL Server/Enterprise Manager, et cetera, have problems with those same issues? What are the connectivity issues you face, specifically?

3)

Enterprise Manager for Oracle would be outstanding.

Although it is not called "Enterprise Manager for Oracle", there is "Oracle Enterprise Manager" (OEM) that is probably already available to you with your existing Oracle distribution media.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[

http://www.dasages.com:

Providing low-cost remote Database Admin services]
Click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips if you use Oracle in Utah USA.