Packages (PL/SQL)

PL/SQL package definitions are supported by the data server. A PL/SQL package is a named collection of functions, procedures, variables, cursors, user-defined types, and records that are referenced using a common qualifier, the package name.

Packages have the following characteristics:
  • Packages provide a convenient way of organizing the functions and procedures that have a related purpose. Permission to use the package functions and procedures is dependent upon one privilege that is granted to the entire package.
  • Certain items in a package can be declared public. Public entities are visible and can be referenced by other programs that hold the EXECUTE privilege on the package. In the case of public functions and procedures, only their signatures are visible. The PL/SQL code for these function and procedures is not accessible to others; therefore, applications that utilize such a package are dependent upon only the information that is available in the signatures.
  • Other items in a package can be declared private. Private entities can be referenced and used by functions and procedures within the package, but not by external applications.