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From: kevin@u02.svl.cdc.com (Kevin Woodward)
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: ORACLE/UNIX development question?
Message-ID: <34164@shamash.cdc.com>
Date: 14 Jun 91 18:46:18 GMT
Sender: usenet@shamash.cdc.com
Lines: 64


I have been assigned to a project to create an environment for ORACLE
developers working on UNIX workstations and servers. Unfortunately,
my ORACLE experience is limited to large-scale proprietary
mainframes. If you are currently writing SQL*Forms, SQL*Menu,
SQL*ReportWriter, or Pro*ORACLE applications on UNIX, I could
really use your help answering some questions:

o  What 3rd generation language (C, COBOL, FORTRAN, etc.) is most 
   common/important when developing ORACLE applications on UNIX? Any 
   non-ORACLE 4GLs?

o  Does a developer primarily work with only one of the ORACLE products
   (SQL*Forms, SQL*ReportWriter, etc.) or do they typically write 
   applications for several ORACLE products?

o  Do developers primarily use the ORACLE products for development or
   do they frequently edit the source files directly. For example, to 
   to create a SQL*Forms application, would they use IAD or edit 
   the INP files?

o  How is ORACLE application code typically stored on UNIX? Are all 
   user exits and application modules stored in the developer's
   directory or stored in some project directory grouped by application.
 
o  Do developers typically use version control for user exits and 
   applications? If so, which product (SCCS, RCS, etc.) is most common
   or best?

o  Do most UNIX/ORACLE developers work in a window environment 
   (X, SunView, etc.)? If so, what windows are typically open when 
   developing ORACLE applications? (For example, 1 SQL*Plus window, 
   1 SQL*Forms, 1 UNIX prompt, 1 editor) 

o  Do most developers use a printed copy of the ORACLE data dictionary 
   when developing ORACLE applications or do they query the database as
   needed?

o  When creating a new user exit, is it common to use an existing user exit 
   as a base? If so, approximately how many sample user exits would it 
   take to provide a useful set of templates?

o  How important is database security in a development environment? 
   For example, are developers allowed to enter their ORACLE usernames
   and passwords on the command line even though this can be seen 
   using ps -f?

o  How are ORACLE applications usually built on UNIX? Is it most common to
   use a Make file, a script, or enter the commands by hand to generate 
   the new product modules (IAP, etc.) and compile applications?

o  Do developers usually use local versions of the product module 
   (IAP, etc.) or do they typically work with the production version?
   Do developers often have their own kernel and database?

o  What third-party development tools work well with ORACLE? Which do not? 

As you can see, I have a lot to find out before I can begin working on the 
project. If you have any other comments or suggestions, or you know of 
a successful development environment for ORACLE on UNIX, please let me 
know. Thank you for your help.

Kevin Woodward 
jkw@svl.cdc.com