Rating: 
Summary: Clearly information collected into one handy reference
Review: Although Oracle does a reasonable job of clearly explaining SQL*Loader, this guide takes it a giant leap forward. First it collects everything you ever needed or wanted to know about SQL*Loader into a 251 page reference. It's written in a friendlier fashion than Oracle's documentation, and with more examples that are better written. On the whole, this promotes a better understanding of SQL*Loader, its strengths and limitations, and will allow DBAs to master every facet and nuance of this powerful tool. Considering the damage that can be inflicted on a production database if SQL*Loader is improperly used, all DBAs who use this tool to load data (and who doesn't?) should read this book and have a copy on their desk.Another use for this book is as a training aid for new DBAs and as the basis for database administration policies and procedures that spell out when and how to load data into a production system. It also contains a wealth of information that can be incorporated into change control implementation and rollback plans when massive updates need to be performed. I like the thorough treatment, the fact that it's up-to-date, and the advice and tips that are imparted throughout this book. It's definitely a good addition to your professional library.
Rating:
Summary: Clearly information collected into one handy reference
Review: Although Oracle does a reasonable job of clearly explaining SQL*Loader, this guide takes it a giant leap forward. First it collects everything you ever needed or wanted to know about SQL*Loader into a 251 page reference. It's written in a friendlier fashion than Oracle's documentation, and with more examples that are better written. On the whole, this promotes a better understanding of SQL*Loader, its strengths and limitations, and will allow DBAs to master every facet and nuance of this powerful tool. Considering the damage that can be inflicted on a production database if SQL*Loader is improperly used, all DBAs who use this tool to load data (and who doesn't?) should read this book and have a copy on their desk. Another use for this book is as a training aid for new DBAs and as the basis for database administration policies and procedures that spell out when and how to load data into a production system. It also contains a wealth of information that can be incorporated into change control implementation and rollback plans when massive updates need to be performed. I like the thorough treatment, the fact that it's up-to-date, and the advice and tips that are imparted throughout this book. It's definitely a good addition to your professional library.
Rating:
Summary: No Bull straight to the point
Review: I have been dealing with databases for over three years now.
Right now I am doing Siebel Consulting in which Enterprise Integration Module(EIM) is responsible for data transfer from any source to Sieble database. I came across a requirement where I had to use Oracle SQL Loader, so I went looking for a good book.
This 250 page book tells you everything you need to know about SQL Loader in less time than any other. Lots of code and real time examples.
Worth having as ref book for all DBAs or even developers.
Five Stars for sure.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive info on SQL Loader all in one place
Review: I searched through several manuals and guides on Oracle only to discover that very few cover the SQL Loader tool in great detail. This book does so, and in a way that's fairly easy to read. It is a huge benefit over the sparse 2-3 pages of documentation you'll typically find elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive info on SQL Loader all in one place
Review: I searched through several manuals and guides on Oracle only to discover that very few cover the SQL Loader tool in great detail. This book does so, and in a way that's fairly easy to read. It is a huge benefit over the sparse 2-3 pages of documentation you'll typically find elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: A Nice Introduction to SQL Loader
Review: This is a good book for anyone needing or wanting to learn more about SQL Loader. The book begins by laying the foundation for SQL Loader and discussing "The Mysterious Control File". After that it discusses the two types of files that can be loaded - fixed lenght and delimited files. With the basics covered, the authors turn to error recovery and advanced features such as selective loading and direct path loads. After reading this book, you should have a good idea of what SQL Loader can and cannot do along with some of the finer points of when to and not to use SQL Loader. A knowledge of Oracle SQL is really all that is required to understand the material presented. This book is a must have for any shop using Oracle for their database.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Introduction to SQL Loader
Review: This is a good book for anyone needing or wanting to learn more about SQL Loader. The book begins by laying the foundation for SQL Loader and discussing "The Mysterious Control File". After that it discusses the two types of files that can be loaded - fixed lenght and delimited files. With the basics covered, the authors turn to error recovery and advanced features such as selective loading and direct path loads. After reading this book, you should have a good idea of what SQL Loader can and cannot do along with some of the finer points of when to and not to use SQL Loader. A knowledge of Oracle SQL is really all that is required to understand the material presented. This book is a must have for any shop using Oracle for their database.
Rating:
Summary: Very easy to use, but doesn't omits some info
Review: This is a great book for the occaisional SQLLoad user--it'll tell you everything you need to know to use the tool, but after taking some oracle certification courses, I discovered more about the SQLLoader utility that's not covered in this book. I'm sure Oracle publishes a better book, but this one should suit you fine.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Have for Oracle Programmers
Review: This is not light reading, but it's a great reference and much better than the Oracle manuals on SQL Loader.
Rating:
Summary: Start with this book and then go to the Oracle Docs
Review: This is the place to start if you want to know about SQL*Loader. The authors do a great job on covering how to use SQL*Loader and all the little nuances that it has. They also sprinkles in some good advise on how to handle situation that will probably come up when you use SQL*Loader. The back cover of the book indicates that it is updated for Oracle 9i. I have a little reservation about that because the book was written with an early release of Oracle 9i (it states so on page xii and xii). Bottom line: start with this book for the easy read and clear explanations. Then go to the Oracle 9i doc for the updates like the Control File being expanded to include new parameters.
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