XPost: comp.databases.oracle.tools, comp.databases.oracle.marketplace   
   From: Fuzzy.GreyBeard@gmail.com   
      
   On Fri, 31 Dec 2004 09:51:32 -0600, Ira Baxter wrote:   
      
   > Hi.  We are working on tools to process PL/SQL code.   
   > What we need are precise details on the full PL/SQL syntax.   
   >   
   > We have the Oracle 9/10 documentation, but it seems   
   > a little fuzzy on the details.  As an example, we're unclear   
   > on whether ANSI 99 JOIN syntax is allowed or not.   
   > (Any direct answers on this topic would be appreciated).   
   >   
   > Is there a document which precisely defines the PL/SQL   
   > syntax?   
      
   With all due respect,   
      
   One could get the impression you are unclear about PL/SQL in general.   
   Your comment about the ANSI 99 Join syntax indicates that you do not   
   separate PL/SQL from SQL and therefore may not realize that PL/SQL does   
   perform any joins at all.  Instead, it passes such requests to the SQL   
   processor, the syntax for which is documented in the SQL Reference   
   Manual.   
      
   I also hope you realize that the combination of SQL and PL/SQL allows a   
   developer to 'extend' SQL by adding new functions that can be used in   
   various places, extending the the SELECT clause, the inline view,   
   the WITH clause, the WHERE clause, etc.  You may find this a challenge in   
   creating your tools as it implies you may need to catalog all stored   
   functions as well.   
      
   The actual PL/SQL language is documented fairly well in the "PL/SQL User's   
   Guide and Reference", which includes use, discussion of the above   
   concept, syntax and examples.  Please indicate what is 'fuzzy' about   
   details such as the following syntax definition (from the manual) for the   
   CASE statement:   
      
      
   	searched_case_statement ::=   
      
   	[ <> ]   
   	CASE { WHEN boolean_expression THEN {statement;} ... }...   
   	[ ELSE {statement;}... ]   
   	END CASE [ label_name ];   
      
      
   And yes, ANSI 99 Join syntax is allowed - in the SQL language.   
      
   BTW - if your tool is intended to generate PL/SQL, I strongly encourage   
   reading and understanding "Effective Oracle By Design" as well as anything   
   else identified at http://www.oaktable.org   
      
   /Hans   
   Just a lowly BScEE   
      
      
   By the way, cross-posting is not necessary.  comp.databases.oracle is an   
   obsolete newsgroup, comp.databases.oracle.marketplace is for   
   advertising, comp.databases.oracle.tools is for Oracle tools.  Pick one   
   and stick with it.   
      
   I cross-posted the reply so you get the response, but on behalf of [many   
   in] the community, I would appreciate you restricting the rest to   
   comp.databases.oracle.tools)   
      
      
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