HIGH PRODUCTIVITY br br 1) PLSQL lets you write very compact code for manipulating data. In the same way that scripting languages such as PERL can read, transform, and write data from files, PLSQL can query, transform, and update data in a database. br br 2) PLSQL saves time on design and debugging by offering a full range of software-engineering features, such as exception handling, encapsulation, data hiding, and object-oriented data types. br 3) PLSQL extends tools such as Oracle Forms. With PLSQL in these tools, you can use familiar language constructs to build applications. For example, you can use an entire PLSQL block in an Oracle Forms trigger, instead of multiple trigger steps, macros, or user exits. PLSQL is the same in all environments. After you learn PLSQL with one Oracle tool, you can transfer your knowledge to other tools. br br FULL PORTABILITY br br Applications written in PLSQL can run on any operating system and platform where the database runs. With PLSQL, you can write portable program libraries and reuse them in different environments. br br TIGHT SECURITY br br PLSQL stored subprograms move application code from the client to the server, where you can protect it from tampering, hide the internal details, and restrict who has access. For example, you can grant users access to a subprogram that updates a table, but not grant them access to the table itself or to the text of the UPDATE statement. Triggers written in PLSQL can control or record changes to data, making sure that all changes obey your business rules.