USING SQL AS A CODE GENERATOR
    (OR 'TEACHING ORACLE TO WRITE SQL SCRIPTS')
    
    
    ABSTRACT
    
    Valid SQL statements can be generated from Oracle 
    by embedding SQL syntax, in association with retrieved 
    data, within a "parent" script. The execution of that 
    parent script can itself generate new SQL statements. 
    
    This is a complex process, particularly when multiple 
    hierarchies of scripts are built into one parent script, 
    combined with the retrieval of attributes used as 
    variables in the "next" embedded script. 
    
    The technique is powerful and important. It demonstrates 
    the convergence of true set-based processing with 
    sequential processing, entirely within the standard SQL 
    environment. Programming problems can be solved that 
    would otherwise have to be implemented in a host language. 
    
    Because SQL is still the fundamental means of access to 
    the Oracle database, this sophisticated technique is as 
    relevant to Oracle9i as it has always been to previous 
    versions. This session presents increasingly complex 
    examples while clearly identifying the rules for their 
    successful construction.
    
    
    Peter G Robson
    Database Administrator