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16 Oracle PL SQL Developer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various oracle pl sql developer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Oracle PL SQL Developer Interview Questions

What is your favorite PL/SQL feature?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question:

1. To gauge the developer's level of experience with PL/SQL. If the developer's favorite feature is something basic, like CASE statements, the interviewer might assume that the developer is not very experienced.

2. To see if the developer is familiar with the more advanced features of PL/SQL. If the developer's favorite feature is something like dynamic SQL or the DBMS_DEBUG package, the interviewer will be impressed.

3. To get a sense of the developer's programming style. Some features, like dynamic SQL, can be used to write very flexible and powerful code. Other features, like the DBMS_WARNING package, are mostly used for debugging purposes. This question can give the interviewer some insight into how the developer likes to write code.

Example: “My favorite PL/SQL feature is its ability to handle exceptions. I like how it allows me to control the flow of my program and handle errors in a way that is consistent with other programming languages.”

What is the most complex PL/SQL code you have written?

The interviewer is likely trying to gauge the candidate's experience level with PL/SQL. PL/SQL can be quite complex, and the interviewer wants to know if the candidate is able to write complex code. This is important because it shows whether the candidate has a good understanding of the language and can write code that is efficient and effective.

Example: “The most complex PL/SQL code I have written was for a project that involved creating a custom data management system. The system had to be able to handle a large amount of data, as well as be able to perform various operations on that data. In order to do this, I had to use a number of different PL/SQL packages, which were all interdependent on each other. In addition, I also had to create a number of stored procedures and functions. Overall, it took me several months to complete the project.”

What do you think makes PL/SQL an advantageous tool?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question:

1) To gauge the candidate's technical knowledge - if the candidate is able to articulate the advantages of PL/SQL, it shows that they have a good understanding of the tool.

2) To see if the candidate is a good fit for the company - if the company values PL/SQL for its advantages, then the candidate should be able to share in that enthusiasm.

3) To assess the candidate's ability to think critically - by asking the candidate to discuss the advantages of PL/SQL, the interviewer can get a sense of how the candidate approaches problem-solving and whether they are able to think critically about technical issues.

Example: “PL/SQL is a procedural language extension to SQL that adds functionality for control structures, looping, and other programming constructs. It is an advantageous tool because:

1. PL/SQL is tightly integrated with SQL, which makes it easy to write stored procedures, functions, and triggers that work with the data in the database.

2. PL/SQL is portable across all major Oracle platforms, including Oracle Database on premises, Oracle Database in the cloud, and Oracle Database Appliance.

3. PL/SQL offers a rich set of built-in datatypes, operators, and functions that make it easy to manipulate and query data in the database.

4. PL/SQL has a well-defined syntax and semantics that make it easy to learn and use.”

How have you been able to use PL/SQL in your previous projects?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question:

1. To gauge the candidate's level of experience with PL/SQL.

2. To see if the candidate is familiar with using PL/SQL in various projects and can provide specific examples.

3. To understand how the candidate uses PL/SQL to solve problems and complete tasks.

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to get a better sense of the candidate's skills and abilities with PL/SQL. The candidate's answer will help the interviewer understand how the candidate uses PL/SQL on a day-to-day basis, and how they would be able to use it in future projects.

Example: “In my previous projects, I have used PL/SQL extensively for various purposes such as data manipulation, data validation, and database automation. I have also used it to create stored procedures and functions. Additionally, I have used it to work with Oracle databases in a more efficient and effective way.”

What are some of the challenges you have faced while working with PL/SQL?

An interviewer would ask "What are some of the challenges you have faced while working with PL/SQL?" to a/an Oracle PL SQL Developer in order to gauge their experience with the language and identify any areas where they may need improvement. This question is important because it can help the interviewer determine whether or not the candidate is a good fit for the position.

Example: “I have faced a few challenges while working with PL/SQL. One challenge was understanding how to properly use cursors. I also struggled with understanding how to use some of the built-in functions. However, I was able to overcome these challenges by doing research and seeking help from more experienced developers.”

What do you think would make PL/SQL an even more advantageous tool?

There could be several reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to an Oracle PL/SQL Developer. Some of the reasons could be to gauge the technical knowledge of the developer about the tool, to understand the areas where the developer feels that the tool can be improved, or to get ideas from the developer about how to make the tool more advantageous.

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question because it allows them to better understand the developer's technical expertise and also get ideas about how to improve the tool.

Example: “There are a few things that could make PL/SQL an even more advantageous tool:

1. Better integration with other languages and tools. For example, it would be great if PL/SQL had better support for data types used in other languages, such as Python or Java.

2. More built-in functions and features. For example, it would be nice if PL/SQL had more string manipulation functions or date/time functions.

3. Better performance. PL/SQL is already a very efficient language, but there is always room for improvement.

4. Greater portability across different database platforms. Currently, PL/SQL code can be used on Oracle databases only. It would be great if it could be used on other database platforms as well, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, or PostgreSQL.”

What is your experience with Oracle databases?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the candidate's level of expertise with Oracle databases. This is important because it will determine how well the candidate will be able to perform the duties of an Oracle PL SQL Developer.

Example: “I have worked with Oracle databases for over 5 years. I have experience with all aspects of Oracle databases including installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, performance tuning, backup and recovery. I am also experienced in using various Oracle tools such as SQL*Plus, SQL*Loader, and Export/Import.”

What do you think of the new Oracle 12c features?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the interviewee's opinion on the new Oracle 12c features and how they may impact their work as an Oracle PL SQL Developer. It is important to get feedback from those who will be using the new features in order to improve them.

Example: “I think the new Oracle 12c features are great. They make it easier to manage data and improve performance.”

Have you ever used SQL*Loader before? If so, what was your experience?

SQL*Loader is used to load data from external files into an Oracle database. It is important to know whether or not the candidate has used SQL*Loader because it will give the interviewer an idea of the candidate's level of experience with Oracle databases.

Example: “I have used SQL*Loader on a few occasions and my experience has been positive. It is a very powerful tool that can be used to load data into Oracle databases quickly and easily. The documentation is excellent and there is a lot of online help available if you need it. Overall, I would say that my experience with SQL*Loader has been very good.”

What is your experience with Unix shell scripting?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an Oracle PL SQL Developer. One reason is that Unix shell scripting is a common skill required for many jobs, so the interviewer wants to gauge the candidate's level of experience. Another reason could be that the company uses Unix shell scripting extensively and the interviewer wants to know if the candidate is familiar with the basics. Finally, it could be that the interviewer is looking for specific skills related to Oracle PL SQL development that can be transferable to Unix shell scripting.

In any case, it is important for the candidate to be able to demonstrate some level of experience with Unix shell scripting, as it shows that they are adaptable and have a willingness to learn new technologies. Additionally, Unix shell scripting is a powerful tool that can automate many tasks, so it is beneficial for the candidate to be able to utilize it.

Example: “I have experience with Unix shell scripting and have written several scripts to automate various tasks. I am familiar with the syntax and usage of common Unix commands and utilities, and can effectively use them to solve problems. In addition, I am also familiar with Perl and Python, which are often used for scripting in Unix environments.”

What is your experience with writing stored procedures?

The interviewer is asking about the candidate's experience with writing stored procedures in Oracle PL/SQL. This is important because stored procedures are a key component of Oracle PL/SQL development, and the ability to write them is essential for this role.

Example: “I have experience in writing stored procedures in Oracle PL/SQL. I have written stored procedures to perform various tasks such as data validation, data manipulation, and data retrieval. I am familiar with the syntax and usage of the various PL/SQL statements and can write efficient and reliable code.”

What is your experience with writing triggers?

An interviewer might ask "What is your experience with writing triggers?" to an Oracle PL SQL Developer to gauge the Developer's experience with a key feature of the Oracle database. Triggers are stored procedures that are automatically executed in response to an event, such as a data change or a database operation. They are an important part of the Oracle database, and the interviewer wants to know if the Developer is familiar with them and knows how to use them.

Example: “I have experience in writing triggers in Oracle PL/SQL. I have written triggers for various purposes such as to enforce data integrity, to audit data changes, and to generate custom reports. I am familiar with the different types of triggers available in Oracle PL/SQL, and I know how to write efficient and reliable code.”

What is your experience with writing functions?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with writing functions?" to an Oracle PL SQL Developer because it is an important skill for the position. Functions are a way to modularize code in Oracle PL/SQL and make it more reusable and maintainable. A well-written function can make a complex task much simpler to code and understand. Therefore, it is important for an Oracle PL/SQL Developer to have experience writing functions.

Example: “I have experience in writing functions in Oracle PL SQL. I have written many functions for various purposes such as data validation, data manipulation, data conversion, etc. I am familiar with the syntax and the different ways to write a function. I am also familiar with the different Oracle PL SQL data types and how to use them in a function.”

What is your experience with writing packages?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with writing packages?" to a/an Oracle PL SQL Developer to gauge their experience in developing stored procedures, functions, and triggers using PL/SQL. This is important because it allows the interviewer to determine whether the candidate has the necessary skillset to develop the required code for the position.

Example: “I have experience in writing packages in Oracle PL SQL. I have written packages for various purposes such as data migration, data cleansing, data validation, and so on. I am familiar with the syntax and the different options available for writing packages. I am also familiar with the performance considerations that need to be taken into account when writing packages.”

Are you familiar with the Model-View-Controller architecture?

The Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture is a common software design pattern for implementing user interfaces. It is important for an Oracle PL SQL Developer to be familiar with the MVC architecture so that they can effectively design and implement database applications.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. MVC is a software architectural pattern for implementing user interfaces on computers. It divides a given software application into three interconnected parts, so as to separate internal representations of information from the ways information is presented to and accepted from the user. The MVC design pattern decouples these major components allowing for efficient code reuse and parallel development.”

Have you ever used Java in conjunction with PL/SQL? If so, how did you find the experience?

The interviewer is likely interested in finding out if the developer has experience using Java with PL/SQL. This is important because it can help the interviewer understand how the developer would be able to work with both technologies.

Example: “I have used Java in conjunction with PL/SQL on a few occasions and I have found the experience to be generally positive. The main benefit of using Java is that it allows for a more seamless integration of the two languages, which can make development and debugging easier. Additionally, Java provides a richer set of tools and libraries that can be used in conjunction with PL/SQL, which can further improve the development experience.”

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