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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Technology

Oracle PL/SQL Interview Quiz: Challenge Yourself

Test Your Procedural SQL Proficiency Now

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting elements related to Oracle PLSQL Interview Quiz

Looking to sharpen your Oracle PL/SQL skills before an interview? This Oracle PL/SQL Interview Quiz offers 15 focused multiple-choice questions that help you identify strengths and uncover areas for growth in stored procedures, cursors, and exception handling. Ideal for developers preparing for technical interviews or performance reviews, this customizable quiz can be adapted in our editor to suit any learning goal. Explore related assessments like SQL Knowledge Assessment Quiz or dive into a Software Testing and PL/SQL Knowledge Assessment for broader practice. Ready for more? Browse all quizzes to continue your preparation journey.

Which section of a PL/SQL block is mandatory?
EXCEPTION
BEGIN-END
DECLARE
PROCEDURE
Every PL/SQL block must have a BEGIN-END section to enclose executable statements. The DECLARE and EXCEPTION sections are optional, and PROCEDURE is not a block section. Without BEGIN-END, the block cannot execute.
Which keyword marks the start of an exception-handling section in a PL/SQL block?
WHEN
CATCH
ERROR
EXCEPTION
The EXCEPTION keyword begins the exception-handling section in a PL/SQL block. WHEN clauses follow to specify handlers for each exception. There is no CATCH or ERROR keyword in PL/SQL.
Which implicit cursor attribute returns the number of rows processed by the most recent DML statement?
%FOUND
%NOTFOUND
%ISOPEN
%ROWCOUNT
%ROWCOUNT returns the number of rows affected by the last DML or fetched by the last fetch. %FOUND and %NOTFOUND indicate whether rows were found, and %ISOPEN applies only to explicit cursors.
Which type of cursor is automatically created by Oracle for DML statements and single-row queries?
Explicit cursor
Implicit cursor
Static cursor
REF CURSOR
Oracle automatically creates an implicit cursor for every DML statement and each SELECT INTO statement. Explicit cursors must be declared by the developer. REF CURSORs are handle-based and not automatic.
In a row-level trigger, which clause ensures the trigger fires for each row affected?
ROW LEVEL
FOR EACH ROW
WHEN
EACH ROW
The FOR EACH ROW clause designates a trigger as row-level so it fires once for every row that meets the triggering condition. Without it, the trigger is statement-level and fires only once per statement.
Which implicit cursor attribute evaluates to TRUE if the last fetch returned at least one row?
%ISOPEN
%NOTFOUND
%FOUND
%ROWCOUNT
%FOUND is TRUE when the last fetch or DML operation affected or returned at least one row. %NOTFOUND is its inverse. %ROWCOUNT returns the number of rows and %ISOPEN indicates cursor status.
Which construct automatically opens, fetches, and closes an explicit cursor in PL/SQL?
WHILE loop
FOR i IN REVERSE loop
Cursor FOR loop
OPEN-FETCH-CLOSE block
A cursor FOR loop implicitly performs OPEN, FETCH, and CLOSE on the cursor. You do not need to write explicit OPEN, FETCH, or CLOSE statements. Other loops require manual cursor handling.
Which predefined exception is raised when a division by zero occurs in PL/SQL?
ARITHMETIC_OVERFLOW
NO_DATA_FOUND
DIVIDE_ERROR
ZERO_DIVIDE
ZERO_DIVIDE is the standard predefined exception for division by zero in PL/SQL. ARITHMETIC_OVERFLOW occurs when a number exceeds its maximum precision, and NO_DATA_FOUND relates to SELECT INTO.
Which pragma directs the compiler to treat a procedure as an autonomous transaction?
PRAGMA AUTONOMOUS_TRANSACTION
PRAGMA INLINE
PRAGMA EXCEPTION_INIT
PRAGMA SERIALLY_REUSABLE
PRAGMA AUTONOMOUS_TRANSACTION marks a procedure or function as running in an independent transaction. PRAGMA EXCEPTION_INIT maps errors to exceptions and the others serve different purposes.
Which syntax correctly declares an OUT parameter in a PL/SQL procedure?
(p_val NUMBER OUT, p_out VARCHAR2 OUT)
(p_val IN NUMBER, p_out OUT VARCHAR2)
(p_val OUT IN NUMBER, p_out VARCHAR2)
(p_val IN NUMBER, p_out IN OUT VARCHAR2)
An OUT parameter is declared with the OUT keyword after the parameter name and before its datatype. The other forms either invert keywords or omit required parts.
Which PL/SQL attribute derives the data type of a database column or another variable?
%TYPE
%FOUND
%ROWTYPE
%NOTFOUND
%TYPE lets you anchor a variable's type to a table column or another variable's type. %ROWTYPE defines a record of an entire row, while %FOUND and %NOTFOUND are cursor attributes.
Which clause is used with BULK COLLECT to limit the number of rows fetched in a single operation?
MAXROWS
BULK
LIMIT
FETCH_SIZE
The LIMIT clause restricts the number of rows fetched in a BULK COLLECT operation to avoid memory issues. MAXROWS and FETCH_SIZE are not valid clauses in PL/SQL BULK COLLECT.
Which PL/SQL statement is simplest for running a basic dynamic SQL command?
SELECT INTO
EXECUTE IMMEDIATE
DBMS_SQL.OPEN_CURSOR
OPEN FOR
EXECUTE IMMEDIATE provides a straightforward way to execute dynamic SQL statements without manual cursor management. DBMS_SQL requires more verbose operations for parsing and executing.
Which package and procedure combination raises user-defined exceptions with custom error numbers?
DBMS_STANDARD.RAISE_APPLICATION_ERROR
UTL_FILE.FOPEN
DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE
DBMS_SQL.PARSE
RAISE_APPLICATION_ERROR in the DBMS_STANDARD package lets you define your own error number (in the 20000 - 20999 range) and message. The others serve unrelated purposes.
In a trigger, how do you reference the new value of a column being modified?
:MOD.column_name
NEW.column_name
:NEW.column_name
:OLD.column_name
In row-level triggers, :NEW references the value that will be stored in the row. :OLD gives the previous value. There is no :MOD prefix in PL/SQL triggers.
Which type of PL/SQL trigger fires only once per triggering statement, regardless of how many rows are affected?
Row-level trigger
BEFORE trigger
Statement-level trigger
AFTER trigger
Statement-level triggers fire just once for the entire triggering statement. Row-level triggers fire once per row. BEFORE and AFTER designate timing but not the row/statement granularity.
What is the primary advantage of using REF CURSORS in PL/SQL?
Better memory usage
Dynamic query result handling
Faster execution
Compile-time checking
REF CURSORS allow you to open and pass around query result sets dynamically at runtime. They are not necessarily faster or more memory-efficient and do not add compile-time SQL checking.
Which feature allows a function to return rows to the calling SQL statement as they are produced?
Function result cache
Pipelined table function
Materialized view
Autonomous transaction
Pipelined table functions stream rows directly to the calling query as soon as they are generated. This contrasts with returning a complete collection or using a materialized view.
Which PL/SQL compilation parameter can be adjusted to optimize generated code for more efficient execution?
PLSQL_DEBUG
PLSQL_CODE_TYPE
PLSQL_WARNINGS
PLSQL_OPTIMIZE_LEVEL
PLSQL_OPTIMIZE_LEVEL affects code optimization levels during compilation, influencing inlining and other optimizations. The other parameters control debugging, warnings, or native vs. interpreted code.
Which pragma is used to associate a user-defined exception with an Oracle error number?
PRAGMA INLINE
PRAGMA AUTONOMOUS_TRANSACTION
PRAGMA SERIALLY_REUSABLE
PRAGMA EXCEPTION_INIT
PRAGMA EXCEPTION_INIT binds a user-defined exception name to an Oracle error number so you can handle that ORA-error. The other pragmas serve different functions.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse Oracle PL/SQL block structures and syntax
  2. Identify key features of cursors and triggers
  3. Demonstrate proficiency writing stored procedures
  4. Apply exception handling in PL/SQL programs
  5. Evaluate performance tuning techniques in PL/SQL

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand PL/SQL Block Structure - PL/SQL programs are organized into blocks comprising a declarative section, an executable section, and an optional exception-handling section. Familiarizing yourself with this structure helps you write modular, efficient code that's easy to maintain. Mastering block anatomy also makes debugging a breeze. Read more on Wikipedia
  2. Master Cursors for Data Retrieval - Cursors act like your personal data scouts, fetching query results one row at a time so you can process each record exactly how you need. Implicit cursors handle simple queries automatically, while explicit cursors give you full control over fetch operations. Understanding both types prevents data bottlenecks and makes your loops run like clockwork. Read more on Wikipedia
  3. Implement Triggers for Automated Actions - Triggers are your automation allies, firing off predefined actions whenever an INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE event occurs. They help maintain data integrity, enforce business rules, and keep your database in perfect harmony. Learning to write and manage triggers puts powerful, event-driven logic at your fingertips. Read more on Wikipedia
  4. Develop Proficiency in Writing Stored Procedures - Stored procedures are reusable PL/SQL blocks that perform specific tasks and can accept IN, OUT, or IN OUT parameters. Practicing different parameter types boosts code modularity and performance, making your solutions more flexible. Well-crafted procedures also simplify maintenance and collaboration. Read more on Wikipedia
  5. Apply Exception Handling to Manage Errors - PL/SQL's exception-handling mechanisms let you catch runtime errors and respond gracefully, avoiding nasty surprises. Use predefined exceptions for common cases and define your own to cover special scenarios. Building robust error handling makes your programs resilient and user-friendly. Read more on Wikipedia
  6. Optimize Performance with Bulk Processing - Bulk processing constructs like BULK COLLECT and FORALL let you handle large datasets in one fell swoop, slashing the overhead of context switches between the PL/SQL and SQL engines. This technique dramatically boosts performance for batch operations. Embracing bulk collect patterns turns slow loops into speedy data drivers. Read more on Wikipedia
  7. Utilize Collections for Complex Data Handling - Collections such as VARRAYs, nested tables, and associative arrays let you store and manipulate groups of related data in memory. Mastering collections unlocks advanced data structures inside PL/SQL, giving you more flexibility. With the right collection type, you can streamline multi-row operations and complex transformations. Read more on Wikipedia
  8. Implement Dynamic SQL for Flexible Queries - Dynamic SQL enables you to construct and execute SQL statements at runtime, adapting to changing requirements on the fly. Using EXECUTE IMMEDIATE and DBMS_SQL safely helps you avoid SQL injection and maintain performance. Dynamic SQL is your go-to tool when static queries can't keep pace with real-world complexity. Read more on Wikipedia
  9. Understand the Importance of Packages - Packages group related PL/SQL types, variables, and subprograms into a single, modular unit, enhancing organization and reusability. Using package specifications and bodies helps you encapsulate logic and hide implementation details. Well-designed packages make your codebase easier to understand and evolve. Read more on Wikipedia
  10. Practice Writing Efficient Loops and Control Structures - PL/SQL offers loops like basic LOOP, WHILE, and FOR loops to suit different scenarios. Choosing the right construct and writing clear exit conditions leads to faster, more readable code. Regular practice helps you spot opportunities for simplification and speed gains. Read more on Wikipedia
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