Duplicating Oracle DB

I have recently begun using the RMAN utility for backing up all of my organization's Oracle 10g databases. Previously, I've used manual OS commands and database hot backup procedures to perform the same tasks. RMAN is definitely much easier, and it brings many benefits to the table as well. While I am "old school" and still use my legacy backups in lieu of the RMAN backups (standard DBA best practices...or just paranoid), I think that if you are administering an Oracle database and not using RMAN then you are missing out.

My organization has many different databases. One in particular is used for hosting our maintenance management data. We have three instances of this database...production, development, and integration. The users are allowed to "beat up" the development instance and we can try out different features in this instance as well. Integration is a mirror of production, but we use it to apply patches and test prior to roll out on our production database. Obviously we all know what production is, so there is no need to describe that database.

Since I've begun to use RMAN, one of the best new features is the DUPLICATE database feature. This allows me to clone my production database in a matter of minutes. Previously, I had to create a database and then import a recent dump from my production database in order to acheive the same result. Now I just create the duplicate database instance, and then use RMAN to actually duplicate the datafiles, control files, and redo logs for me. It creates an exact replica (different SID and data locations of course) which allows me to easily recreate my integration instance.

Take a look at the bottom of this document for the procedures to follow in order to successfully DUPLICATE your organization's databases. It is worth the read....

Using Jython in Java Without Jythonc

Over the past two months, there have been a few good articles written on the concept of using Jython within Java apps without utilizing the jythonc utility. This is, in fact, the best way to invoke Jython code within a Java app.

Read more about using this technique in these articles written for the Jython Monthly newsletter.

Accessing Jython from Java Without Using Jythonc

Simple and Efficient Jython Object Factories

Netbeans Gets Better...

I've just watched a great flash demo given by Roumen Strobl which shows an upcoming addition for the Netbeans IDE. This upcoming feature is known as the Visual Web Pack and it essentially allows for drag-and-drop creation of JSF applications.

Take a look at his blog and see how sweet it looks!

If you combine this new feature along with the new Hibernate Tools Suite and Facelets Support, Netbeans 5.5 (and beyond) makes for a powerful addition to the world of great IDEs.