Hello.

I am fairly new to SQL but totally green on how to connect to Oracle to retrieve data using SQL language. I’ve started with a new company which is pretty much a sink or swim type of environment meaning you’re an idiot if you don’t figure it out on your own. I was told that we use Toad for Oracle 10g. I was given a server name; location and an .ora file named tnsnames that was given to me but I have no clue what to do with. I’ve come from companies where this was already setup. You just go into access to retrieve the data. Not sure why I can’t connect and not getting any answers internally.

I understand this may be asking a lot but I have totally hit a brick wall with all the other roadblocks I encounter and all researched out. Can anyone, anyone please give me a little direction by showing me where I can get step by step instructions on how to connect to start sql in Toad/Oracle? It will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much in advance.

Hi,

>> totally green on how to connect to Oracle to retrieve data using SQL language.

Beware, Oracle is the world's most complex, robust and flexible database, it take YEARS to learn it well:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/t_how_to_become_an_oracle_dba.htm

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>> you're an idiot if you don't figure it out on your own.

You are not an idiot, you have just been given a super-challenging task.

I took six full weeks of coureses at Oracle University, just to get started . . .

I would start with the easy Oracle Pack, since you already know MS-SQL:

http://www.rampant-books.com/menu_six_packs_bundles.htm#easy

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>> I was told that we use Toad for Oracle 10g.

That and OEM are drutches, but you can get in a heap of trouble because you can mash buttons and corrupt your database.

It's better to learn the commands and infinitely more flexible,

I'll mail you a free dictionary reference poster, that will help:

http://www.rampant-books.com/poster_oracle_database.htm

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>> Can anyone, anyone please give me a little direction by showing me where I can get step by step instructions on how to connect to start sql in Toad/Oracle?

Dump the TOAD and connect via SQL*Plus. (See the SQL*Plus book in the Easy Oracle Pack)

Also, see here:

http://dba-oracle.com/googlesearchsite_pro...ealth_check.htm

My wiki has 20,000 pages on Oracle topics, I would start there oif you cannot get the Easy Oracle pack books . . .

Also, tell you boss that Donald K. Burleson says that you need formal training to be sucessful.

Also make sure that your boss's boss knows that it is HIS fault of you screw-up the database, because you have not been properly trained.

Good Luck!

OMGosh. I can never express how you have saved my life! Thank you is not enough but I want to say THANK YOU anyway. I will definitely invest in you reference information. It will be a good investment.

Take care.

Enya.

Hi Enya,

Is that an Eskimo name?

Are you a guy or a gal?

Anyhow, you seem nice, so feel free to post any questions . . .

FYI, when I hire a newbie right out of grad school, it costs about $40,000 to get them sent to all of the Oracle classes.

But it;s a great investment, of you can hack it. An experienced DBA (over 10 years) can easily earn $100k/year and some of my top experts pull-in over $200k per year:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/t_2012_dba_salary.htm

The Oracle University classes are over $300 per student per day . . .

Your first goal should be to learn SQL*Plus to start and stop Oracle.

In either case, DO NOT allow yourself to be "set up" to fail . . .

If you can afford it, you can hire a mentor:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/service_oracle_backup.htm

Also, show this to your boss:

http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-p...2&p_nl=OD11

Oracle recommends taking 11 classes . . . .

Anyway, get started with the SQL*Plus interface and read the Oracle concepts manual:

http://docs.oracle.com/cd/B19306_01/server.102/b14220.pdf

You can also download sql*plus scripts that can make you look like an expert and it makes it easier to see what's happening:

http://www.dba-oracle.com/oracle_scripts.htm

@burleson - I am a woman and live in Sunny California with no Eskimo blood in my body that I know of. @aussie_dba & @Ayon Hazra thank you! Your information was most helpful. Along with burleson's, I am a sponge and believe additional resources to cross-reference are always helpful.