12.11. Exam Essentials

Know how to simplify management tasks by using the Scheduler. Understand how the Scheduler can be used to automate routine management tasks to run on a repeating basis. Know the types of programs that can be run through the Scheduler (PL/SQL blocks, stored procedures, and external operating system executables).

Be able to create a job, program, schedule, and window. Know the various CREATE procedures in the DBMS_SCHEDULER package (CREATE_JOB, CREATE_PROGRAM, CREATE_SCHEDULE, and CREATE_WINDOW). Understand the different options that can be used when creating a job (inline definitions versus stored objects). Understand that only a subset of attributes can be defined at creation time. The other attributes can be set by altering the object through the SET_ATTRIBUTE and SET_ATTRIBUTE_NULL procedures.

Know how to reuse Scheduler components for similar tasks. Understand the difference between inline schedule and program definitions and stored Scheduler object components. Know that a job can reference stored schedule and program objects. Know that a window can reference a stored schedule object. Understand that a job can be reused with different parameters.

Understand how to view information about job executions and job instances. Be aware of the different views available to view Scheduler information. Know that the views use the naming convention of DBA|ALL|USER_SCHEDULER_as a prefix for all views (for example, DBA_SCHEDULER_JOBS, DBA_SCHEDULER_PROGRAMS, and so on). Know that the DBA_SCHEDULER_JOB_RUN_DETAILS view shows information about job executions and that the DBA_SCHEDULER_RUNNING_JOBS view shows information on jobs that are currently running.