STARTING UP DATABASE

Before we access oracle database, we must start oracle database. Starting up oracle database means starting oracle instance and associating oracle instance with an oracle database so that oracle instance can access the database. The process is very length and complicated. Several steps are involved in it. But fortunately we do not have to know all that happens when a database starts. We just need to select an option or two to startup database. Generally you do not have to startup database in case of Oracle Server running on Windows NT/Windows 2000 as oracle server automatically starts in this case. However, if you ever have to start oracle database on Windows NT/Windows 2000,

•  follow the steps given below: 
• Start services program using Administrative Tools -> Service in Windows/2000 or Control Panel -> Service on Windows NT.
• If service OracleServiceOracle8i has not yet started, click on it with right button and select start option from popup menu. 

The exact name of the service depends on the name you have given to oracle instance at the time of installing it.

Note: Starting and shutting down the database is the job of Database Administrator. As this books assumes that you are an application developer, it doesn’t get into those details.

Starting up database in Personal Oracle : Unlike Oracle Server in Personal Oracle, Oracle Instance doesn’t start on its own. The Oracle Instance must be explicitly started. The following are the steps to start oracle on Personal Oracle:

• Select start database option in Personal Oracle8i for windows menu.
• When a dialog box is displayed wait until the message Oracle Instance Started appears.
• Click on Close button to close the dialog box. 

Starting SQL*PLUS : Sql*plus is a tool that comes along with Oracle. It is used to issue SQL and SQL*PLUS commands. It provides command line interface through which we can enter SQL and SQL*PLUS command.

To start SQL*PLUS, take the steps given below: 

• Select start->programs->Oracle - Oracle8i. Oracle8i is the name of the instance. It may be different on your system.
• Then select Application Development -> SQL Plus.
• . When Log On dialog box is displayed, enter username, password and Host string. Use tab key to move from one field to another. For more information about each of these fields, see next section
• Click on OK. 
• If the information supplied is valid then you enter into Oracle and SQL*PLUS will display SQL> prompt. 

Username, Password and Host String  

Oracle is a multi-user database. Whoever is access the database must log on to database. To log on we have to supply username and password. When the given username and password are recognized by Oracle, it will allow us to access data. A user can access only the data that belongs to his/her and not the data of others. However, it is possible for a user to grant privileges to others so that other can access his/her data.

Creation of users and management of overall security is the responsibility of Database Administrator (DBA). DBA is the person who makes sure that database is functioning smoothly. He is responsible for operations such as taking backup of the database, recovering the database in the event of failure, fine tuning database to get best performance. So, if you want to have a new account under your name, please consult administrator of your database. 

Username & Password    Every user who wants to access oracle database must have an account in the database. These accounts are created by DBA. Each account is associated with username and password. Oracle comes with a set of predefined accounts. 

Note: when you enter into oracle using either system or sys then you become DBA. That means you get special privileges to perform major operations such as creating users etc.  

Host String  Host string is a name that is used to access oracle server that is running on a different machine from client. This is required only when you are trying to access oracle server that is not on the current machine. That means, you never need to use host string for Personal Oracle as client and oracle always run on the same machine in Personal Oracle. Host string is required when you are trying to connect to Oracle Server running on remote machine. Host string is actually called as net service

Name. Net service name is a name that is stored in TNSNAMES.ORA file on the client to provide the following information.

 Host:  Name of the machine or IP address of the machine on which oracle server is running. 

Instance name   Name of the Oracle Instance running on the remote machine. Port Number Port number of the listener, a program that takes requests from clients. 

Port number    is an integer that uniquely identifies the program on the server.