Oracle SQL Developer is a powerful yet user-friendly tool for working with databases.
Please Note: VPN is required to use SQL Developer and connect to our databases.
What is SQL Developer?
SQL Developer is a free graphical interface that allows you to interact with databases easily, without needing to memorize complex commands.
Key Features:
- Connect to Banner Production, Test, and custom Missouri State databases (ie. Beardata)
- Write and run SQL queries to retrieve data
- View and explore database tables and their contents
- Save frequently used queries for quick access
Getting Started:
- Installation: Follow the installation guide provided below
- Launching: Open SQL Developer from your applications menu
- Connecting: Use the connection details we've provided to access the required databases
- Exploring: Start by browsing tables or writing simple SELECT queries
Support:
If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact your department or area's assigned Systems Analyst.
Remember, SQL Developer is designed to make your database work more efficient and accessible. You don't need to be a database expert to use it effectively for your day-to-day tasks.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Install SQL Developer
- Download the SQL Developer installation files attached to this article. The linked zip file includes both SQL Developer and an embedded copy of the Java 17 Development Kit (JDK), which is required to run SQL Developer.
- Download the install file and extract the zip on your desktop.
- Run the sqldeveloper.exe file. The file is configured to run the embedded JDK by default.
- Once installed, start the SQL Developer application.
- Download the sql_connections.json file attached to this article.
- Ensure you are connected to the Missouri State VPN before proceeding.
- In the Connections panel, right-click on Oracle Connections.
- Select Import Connections...
- Browse for the sql_connections.json file you downloaded on your computer.
- Click Next and select the option to Remove all passwords from the exported connections (there are no passwords included in the connections file, but this option must be selected).
- Click Next and then select the database connections you want to import:
- CLOUD PROD - Our current Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Production database
- PROD is used for our live, current data.
- It is recommended to use the PROD database for queries when the most recent data is required.
- CLOUD TEST8 - Our current OCI Test database
- TEST8 is used for development and testing of new reports, features, processes, settings, tools, and applications.
- All new database operations should be performed on TEST8 before attempting on PROD.
- TEST8 data may be a few months behind our PROD database, so accurate/current data may not be available until after a TEST8 refresh from PROD.
- ODSPROD - The Operational Data Store (ODS) Production database
- ODSPROD is used for reporting and data integration, and it houses a repository of operational data extracted from Banner and point-in-time snapshots for data comparisons.
- ODSPROD is refreshed from PROD nightly, so it is recommended to use ODSPROD when Banner data from the previous day is acceptable and data from the current day is not required. This reduces strain on our PROD database and prevents slow-downs of PROD operations.
- ODSTEST - The ODS Test database
- ODSTEST is used for development and testing of new reports, features, processes, settings, tools, and applications within the ODS environment.
- All new ODS operations should be performed on ODSTEST before attempting on ODSPROD.
- Click the Finish button to complete the connections import.
- Once imported, right-click on the first connection listed to update the user information with your appropriate database username and password. Do this for each connection.
- If you do not have an employee database account, your supervisor will need to request one for you.
- After setting up your username and password, double-click on the connection name to open a worksheet and get started.
Please Note: If you have questions or are unsure about any of the above information and instructions, please reach out to your department or area's assigned Systems Analyst for assistance.
References
To request help related to this article, please see our Service Catalog.