Controlling PL/SQL Flow for Execution

 

In PL/SQL, flow control allows the database to make decisions, repeat tasks, and jump between logic blocks. Control structures are generally divided into Conditional Selection and Iteration (Loops).

 

1. Conditional Selection (Decision Making)
These structures test a condition and execute specific code based on the result.
  • IF-THEN-ELSE: The most common way to branch logic.
    • Simple: IF condition THEN ... END IF;
    • Multi-way: IF ... THEN ... ELSIF ... THEN ... ELSE ... END IF;
  • CASE Statement: A cleaner alternative when you have many different values to check for a single variable.

 

2. Iterative Control (Loops)
Used when you need to execute a set of statements multiple times.
  • Basic Loop: Runs infinitely until you explicitly tell it to stop using the EXIT WHEN statement.
  • WHILE Loop: Checks the condition at the beginning; if the condition is false, the loop never runs.
  • FOR Loop: Runs for a fixed number of times (e.g., FOR i IN 1..10 LOOP).
 
 

 

 

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