Re: Scripting language for DBAs - Perl or Python?

<lambu999_at_yahoo.com> wrote in message news:1105929986.430959.227570_at_z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I want to learn a scripting language to be used for Oracle DB Admin.
> I see that Perl seems to be the most popular one right now (with lots
> of extra modules available from 3rd parties).
>
> However a friend of mine is of the opinion that Perl codes are
> cryptic to read /maintain and suggested to go with Python if I am
> starting afresh. How good is Python/Oracle combo? Is it being widely
> used now or will it become big enough to replace Perl and if so in what
> time frame (5 yrs/10 yrs). Can we get the things we want from Python
> for an Oracle DBA?
>
> And if Python is the answer will O'reilly books be enough to start
> off?
>
> Thanks.
>

Python/Oracle combo is good, if you are referring to python's database interface.

My experiance has been that perl is more popular with the DBAs. However, the popularity of a scripting language changes over groups. All scripting languages have their strengths and weaknesses. As a DBA, I find perl valuable because of its strong regex engine.

I do however, write most scripts using korn shell. The primary reason is that a lot of folks are familiar with shell scripting languages .. and for most tasks, shell scripting languages are sufficient.

I'd recommend that you learn both perl and python .. and tcl too :).

BTW: There is a book called "perl for oracle dbas" by O'Reilly press. I've not really reviewed it .. but you might want to go check it out at your local bookstore. Maybe the authors have some point to sell about perl + oracle :)

.. and if you search google .. there are a lot of flame wars debating the various scripting languages (perl, python, tcl, ruby ...).

HTH
Anurag

.... Received on Mon Jan 17 2005 - 19:30:13 CST