Buzz
Technological advancements have somewhat met the demands for online transactions for users. Specifically, online shopping or any form of bill payment can mostly be done through the internet.
Gradually, users have started utilizing Relational Database (RDB) for collaboration by using more data without restructuring data for different purposes.
Comparing MS SQL Server and Oracle
To manage Relational Database (RDB), database experts have developed an exclusive data management solution for these relational databases, known as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).
Some examples of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) include MS Access, Oracle, IBM DB2, MS SQL Server, Sybase, and MySQL. They are among the best RDBMS, meeting user demands.
What are MS SQL Server and Oracle? Which one should you use?
Syntax and Query Language
Both MS SQL Server and Oracle use a Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from their respective databases. MS SQL Server utilizes T-SQL, which stands for Transact-SQL, and Oracle uses PL/SQL, meaning Procedural SQL.
Company
MS SQL Server is a product of Microsoft Corporation and is known for its customer service through forums such as MSDN and the Connect Website, where users can easily access customer service teams for assistance with any issues.
Even when users are stuck, they can easily reach out to technicians for assistance. On the contrary, the customer support team of Oracle lacks as much experience as MS SQL Server. Additionally, there are very few self-learning resources available for Oracle users, unlike MS SQL Server, which has quite a plethora of documentation.
Complexity of Syntax
The syntax used in MS SQL Server is relatively simple and user-friendly. MS SQL Server allows packaging procedures to some extent.
With Oracle, users can create packages by grouping procedures. The syntax is slightly more complex but delivers more effective results.
Handling Errors
MS SQL Server provides error messages in a predefined format. Oracle error messages are clearer and easier to handle. However, users need to be cautious in identifying deadlocks as both MS SQL Server and Oracle can be troublesome in such cases.
Profile Management
MS SQL Server locks the entire profile block used in a transaction and executes each command one by one. Since the profile is blocked and not accessible to others, MS SQL Server can freely modify it before receiving the Commit command. Oracle never modifies data until it receives a Commit command from the DBA, throughout a transaction.
Reversing Actions
In a transaction in MS SQL Server, rollback is not allowed, but it is permitted in Oracle.
Unsuccessful Transactions
In case of a failed transaction, MS SQL Server must reverse all operations performed for that transaction. This is because MS SQL Server has made changes by blocking the profile.
In contrast, Oracle does not need to reverse because all changes are made on a copy, not the original.
What are MS SQL Server and Oracle? Which one to use?
Concurrent Access and Wait Time
On MS SQL Server, during write operations, reading is not allowed, leading to long wait times.
While write operations are in progress on Oracle, it also allows users to read the old copy before updating. Therefore, Oracle has shorter wait times but you are not allowed to write.
Platform Support
MS SQL Server can only run on a single platform, which is Windows. Due to the lack of platform support, MS SQL Server is not suitable for enterprises operating globally using different operating systems.
Oracle can run on various platforms such as UNIX, Windows, MVS, and VAX-VMS. It provides good platform support, thus Oracle can be used in enterprises using multiple operating systems.
Dimension Lock
Page locking is a concept in MS SQL Server used when it needs multiple chains of a page to be modified. MS SQL Server locks pages of the same size for each modification, but unmodified chains are also locked without valid reasons. Hence, other users have to wait until the editing process is complete. In contrast, Oracle doesn't lock pages but instead creates a copy during the editing process, modifying the content. Therefore, other users don't need to wait until the content editing process is completed.
Memory Allocation Distribution
MS SQL Server uses global memory allocation which cannot be altered by DBAs for better classification or caching for improved performance. With this setup, user errors can be avoided. Oracle employs dynamic memory allocation, thus enhancing performance, but the incidence of user errors is high when you 'intrude' into the DB to enhance its performance.
Indexing
MS SQL Server offers limited options for indexing tables. This is because MS SQL Server lacks Bitmap, function-based indexes, and reverse keys. Oracle utilizes Bitmap, function-based indexes, and reverse keys, providing better options and improved performance.
Table Partitioning
MS SQL Server does not allow partitioning of large tables, making data management challenging. However, in terms of simplicity, MS SQL Server takes the lead. Oracle facilitates easier data management by allowing partitioning of large tables.
Query Optimization
Query optimization is lacking in MS SQL Server, but it's achievable in Oracle.
Database Triggers
Both support triggers, but MS SQL Server mainly utilizes After Triggers. In Oracle, both Before Triggers and After Triggers are equally utilized. Trigger usage is mandated in real-time environments, and this support makes databases more robust.
Linking External Files
MS SQL Server utilizes linked servers to read or write external files. Conversely, Oracle uses Java to accomplish that.
Both MS SQL Server and Oracle have an option to link files like so, it's just the approach that differs.
User Interface
Simple and user-friendly interface is a fantastic feature of MS SQL Server. It automatically generates statistics and self-adjusts. Moreover, with a vast available data source, users can easily grasp and self-learn MS SQL Server. On the contrary, Oracle's user interface is slightly more complex.
Best Usage
When comparing MS SQL Server to Oracle: MS SQL Server is the best choice for smaller databases, as it will take a considerable amount of time for larger databases. If you have plenty of time and can afford to wait, you can choose MS SQL Server. Otherwise, you can opt for Oracle because it supports larger databases.
Comparison Table of MS SQL Server and Oracle
| MS SQL Server | Oracle |
| Sử dụng T-SQL | Sử dụng PL/SQL |
| Thuộc Microsoft Corporation | Thuộc Oracle Corporation |
| Cú pháp đơn giản và dễ hiểu | Cú pháp phức tạp hơn một chút |
| Hiển thị thông báo lỗi ở một định dạng xác định trước | Hiển thị thông báo lỗi rõ ràng hơn |
| Lỗi giao dịch yêu cầu dữ liệu được sửa đổi trở lại bản gốc trước khi thực hiện quá trình ghi | Quá trình xử lý đơn giản hơn nhiều vì các thay đổi được thực hiện trên một bản sao |
| Các giá trị thay đổi trước khi nhận lệnh Commit | Các giá trị không đổi trước khi nhận lệnh Commit |
| Sử dụng tính năng chặn trang và không cho phép đọc trong quá trình chặn trang | Sử dụng bản sao của hồ sơ trong quá trình chỉnh sửa và cho phép đọc dữ liệu gốc trong quá trình chỉnh sửa |
| Roll Back không được cho phép trong một giao dịch | Roll Back được phép |
| Hỗ trợ khách hàng tốt | Hỗ trợ khách hàng tốt nhưng kỹ thuật viên không có nhiều kinh nghiệm |
| Chỉ chạy trên nền tảng Windows | Chạy trên nhiều nền tảng khác nhau |
| Khóa các trang cùng kích thước | Kích thước khóa thay đổi theo nhu cầu |
| Sử dụng Global memory allocation và ít xâm nhập DBA. Do đó tỉ lệ lỗi người dùng thấp | Sử dụng Dynamic memory allocation và xâm nhập DBA nhiều hơn. Do đó tỉ lệ lỗi người dùng cao hơn |
| Không sử dụng Bitmap, các chỉ số dựa trên chức năng và key reverse | Sử dụng Bitmap, các chỉ số dựa trên chức năng và key reverse |
| Tối ưu hóa truy vấn bị thiếu | Sử dụng tối ưu hóa truy vấn Star |
| Cho phép triggers và sử dụng After triggers | Sử dụng cả After và Before triggers |
| Sử dụng liên kết máy chủ để đọc và ghi các file bên ngoài | Sử dụng Java |
| Giao diện người dùng đơn giản | Giao diện phức tạp hơn |
| Phù hợp với các dữ liệu nhỏ | Phù hợp với các dữ liệu lớn |
If you're using Linux, check out how to install Java 7 for your operating system. It may seem simple, but installing Java 7 on Linux is more challenging than on Windows, and after successfully installing Oracle Java, you can play games, install programs that require Java on your device.
