Learn to search the Oracle Docs…

 

Question: What is the most important skill any Oracle DBA/Developer needs?

Answer: Knowing how to search the Oracle documentation.

The Oracle database is a massive product. There are sections of it I’ve never ventured near. Do I spend my time trying to remember syntax and procedures for every possible occurence? No. I try to understand the principles of what is going on and regularly refer back to the docs to fill in the gaps. I search the docs constantly. There are some very basic tasks that I would probably fail to complete without reference to the manual (or one of my articles). Whenever I see an error message I search the docs for that error message to see what the action against it is. I can’t imagine anyone being able to function as a DBA or developer without constant reference to the docs.

I am frequently asked questions that are very easily answered by searching the docs for the relevant keywords in the question. So the original poster has wasted the time taken to type the question, plus the time it takes for me to come online and answer it. Since most of my readers live in a different timezone to me, it can be several hours between the post arriving and me answering it.

So if you want to get good at Oracle, learn to search the docs. Every time you want to know something:

  1. Go toย the online documentation for your DB version.
  2. Type in some relevant keywords. Stick to keywords, not whole sentances.
  3. Click the “Search” button.
  4. Refine your search if you don’t get the answer.

Over time you will become an Oracle Certified Professional Documentation Searcher… ๐Ÿ™‚

Cheers

Tim…

Author: Tim...

DBA, Developer, Author, Trainer.

6 thoughts on “Learn to search the Oracle Docs…”

  1. Interestingly Oracle do not let you search its own documents when you are taking OCM exam.

    Masters index (though sometimes missing sections exists) is another way to find your way maybe the only way you need to get used to to find your way if you want to take OCM exam

  2. Hi Tim,

    I agree! You would be surprised by how many DBAs ask me a question that can be solved with a quick search on My Oracle Support (MOS) or via the Oracle docs.

    Cheers,
    Ben

  3. More than just Oracle — I’d say it’s a good life skill. Amazing what will turn up from a quick google search on – for example – the php oci_connect procedure. I don’t write php for a living yet I’m helping php developers connect to oracle… all because I can use google and read documentation. ๐Ÿ™‚ But also – I don’t think you can undervalue a solid architectural understanding. For example… knowing what a listener does. Connections can be very confusing if you’ve never heard of a listener…

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