1Z0-182

The Oracle 1Z0-182 exam, "Oracle Database 19c: SQL", focuses on testing your knowledge and skills in using SQL to manage and query data within an Oracle 19c database. The main points covered include:

I. SQL Fundamentals:

• Basic SQL Statements: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, MERGE. This includes understanding different clauses like WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY, HAVING, etc., and using various operators (comparison, logical, arithmetic).
• Data Types: Understanding different data types offered by Oracle and how to use them appropriately in table definitions and queries.
• Constraints: Defining and utilizing primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints, not null constraints, check constraints, etc. to ensure data integrity.
• Transactions: Understanding transaction management (COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVEPOINT) and their importance in database operations.

II. Intermediate SQL:

• Subqueries: Using subqueries in the SELECT, FROM, and WHERE clauses to perform more complex queries. Correlated subqueries will be tested.
• Joins: Mastering different types of joins (INNER, OUTER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL) to retrieve data from multiple tables. Understanding join syntax and optimization is crucial.
• Set Operators: Using UNION, UNION ALL, INTERSECT, and MINUS to combine results from multiple queries.
• Aggregate Functions: Using functions like COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX, and grouping data effectively.
• Analytical Functions: Understanding and using analytical functions like RANK, ROW_NUMBER, LAG, LEAD, etc. for data analysis within a result set. This is a more advanced topic.
• Hierarchical Queries: Using CONNECT BY and START WITH clauses to query hierarchical data.

III. Advanced SQL:

• Regular Expressions: Using regular expressions for pattern matching in queries.
• Data Manipulation Language (DML) Triggers: Understanding and creating triggers to automate database actions based on specific events (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
• PL/SQL Basics (often limited): While not a primary focus, some basic PL/SQL knowledge might be tested, usually involving simple procedures or functions used within SQL statements. This is often less emphasized than in other Oracle certifications.
• Working with Views: Creating and managing views to simplify data access and enhance security.
• Indexes: Understanding the purpose of indexes and how they can improve query performance (though deep index tuning is usually not tested at this level).

Important Note: The exam emphasizes practical application of these concepts. You will be presented with scenarios requiring you to write SQL queries to solve specific data manipulation and retrieval problems. Understanding how to write efficient and optimized SQL is key to success. Focus on practicing writing queries using various techniques described above. Don't just memorize syntax; understand the logic and the best practices.