While writing my previous post on Running Oracle SQL & PL/SQL: Free Online Execution environments compared I decided to do a comparison between using AI to generate content, and writing the article myself. I had previously as an experiment used AI to write much of my post on my Gmail Clean-up post.

I used both Gemini and ChatGPT (both outputs below for comparison).

Findings & Experience

The prompt

write a blog post comparing “Oracle Live SQL”, “sqlfiddle.com”, and “dbfiddle.uk” for use with oracle SQL and PL/SQL

The process

I just gave the prompt, and copied the output without any modification.

My thoughts

AI/LLM based tools can write a high level blog post with good readability and key words, the sort of content many people searching the internet might want at the top-level. It’s going to render much blog content which is similarly high level increasingly obsolete (it’s also creating a lot of low effort blog content).

But for the slightly deeper dive with working examples that I like to generate (as it’s the sort of content I crave when searching), AI can’t generate the type of samples, and do tests to get into the details.

I’m already using AI for documentation on some projects and tasks as it’s far faster. My approach is to ask AI to write something, then I take that and re-word/extend as appropriate. In some cases, I’ll use parts of it, in others it gives me suggestions for topics to cover (or summarises side notes/extra information/explanations of tools and technology).

ChatGPT Output

Comparing Oracle Live SQL, SQLFiddle.com, and DBFiddle.uk for Oracle SQL and PL/SQL

When working with Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, having access to online tools for testing and experimenting with queries is invaluable. Three popular platforms—Oracle Live SQL, SQLFiddle.com, and DBFiddle.uk—offer distinct features that cater to different needs. This blog post compares these tools to help you decide which is best suited for your purposes.

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1. Oracle Live SQL

Overview: Oracle Live SQL is an official tool provided by Oracle. It offers a web-based environment for writing, running, and sharing Oracle SQL and PL/SQL code. Since it is maintained by Oracle, it guarantees compatibility with the latest Oracle Database features.

Key Features:

• Integrated Learning Resources: Includes tutorials, sample scripts, and interactive documentation.
• Cloud-Based Storage: Allows users to save and share scripts directly in the platform.
• Up-to-Date Environment: Always aligned with the latest Oracle Database releases.
• Robust Performance: Designed specifically for Oracle’s ecosystem, ensuring stability and compatibility.

Limitations:

• Requires an Oracle account to use.
• Focused solely on Oracle technologies, so less flexibility for multi-database comparisons.
• Limited to predefined schemas and privileges, which can restrict advanced testing.

Best For: Developers and learners seeking a stable, official Oracle SQL and PL/SQL environment with educational resources.

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2. SQLFiddle.com

Overview: SQLFiddle is a lightweight, browser-based tool that supports multiple database engines, including Oracle. It’s designed for quickly testing and sharing SQL queries.

Key Features:

• Multi-Database Support: Allows users to experiment with different database dialects, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.
• Easy Sharing: Generates unique URLs for sharing query results and schema setups.
• Quick Setup: Ideal for rapid testing of simple queries.

Limitations:

• Oracle support can be inconsistent due to resource constraints.
• No dedicated support for PL/SQL.
• Relies on third-party hosting, which can lead to performance issues or downtime.

Best For: Users needing a quick and simple way to test SQL queries across multiple database platforms, including Oracle.

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3. DBFiddle.uk

Overview: DBFiddle.uk is a modern, versatile online tool that supports Oracle alongside other popular databases. It’s well-suited for collaborative work and detailed testing.

Key Features:

• Oracle Support: Includes recent versions of Oracle Database, allowing for testing of SQL and PL/SQL.
• Multi-Database Comparison: Facilitates side-by-side testing of queries in different database environments.
• Version Selection: Users can choose from various database versions, including Oracle, to ensure compatibility testing.
• Collaboration Tools: Supports sharing and collaboration through easily generated links.

Limitations:

• Interface can be less intuitive compared to Oracle Live SQL.
• Performance depends on server load, occasionally leading to slower execution.

Best For: Developers and testers who need an adaptable platform for comparing Oracle with other database systems or for collaborative work.

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Summary Comparison

Feature/Tool	Oracle Live SQL	SQLFiddle.com	DBFiddle.uk
Oracle Support	Excellent	Basic	Good
PL/SQL Support	Yes	No	Yes
Multi-Database	No	Yes	Yes
Sharing Options	Yes	Yes	Yes
Learning Resources	Excellent	None	Basic
Performance	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Ease of Use	High	High	Moderate

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Conclusion

• Use Oracle Live SQL if you prioritize a stable, Oracle-supported environment and need resources to learn SQL and PL/SQL.
• Choose SQLFiddle.com for quick, lightweight testing, especially if you want to experiment with multiple databases.
• Opt for DBFiddle.uk when you require a flexible platform for Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, along with the ability to compare multiple database systems or collaborate with others.

Each tool has its strengths and limitations. Depending on your specific needs, one of these platforms will likely be the perfect fit for your Oracle SQL and PL/SQL projects.

Gemini

Comparing Platforms for Oracle SQL and PL/SQL Development: Oracle Live SQL vs. sqlfiddle.com vs. dbfiddle.uk

Introduction

For Oracle database developers, choosing the right platform for writing, executing, and testing SQL and PL/SQL code is crucial. This blog post compares three popular options: Oracle Live SQL, sqlfiddle.com, and dbfiddle.uk. We’ll explore their features, strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different use cases.

Oracle Live SQL

• What it is: A web-based development environment integrated with Oracle Database Cloud Service.
• Strengths:
  • Tight integration with Oracle Database Cloud Service, making it convenient for cloud-based development.
  • Supports all Oracle SQL and PL/SQL features.
  • Provides access to sample schemas for quick experimentation.
• Weaknesses:
  • Requires an Oracle Database Cloud Service account.
  • Limited customization options for the development environment.
  • May not be ideal for offline development.

sqlfiddle.com

• What it is: A popular online SQL editor that supports various database systems, including Oracle.
• Strengths:
  • Free to use and requires no account creation.
  • Supports multiple database systems, offering flexibility for developers working with different technologies.
  • Simple and user-friendly interface.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited support for Oracle-specific features like PL/SQL blocks and procedures.
  • May not always reflect the latest Oracle database versions.
  • Limited data storage capacity for schemas.

dbfiddle.uk

• What it is: A web-based SQL editor specifically designed for Oracle databases.
• Strengths:
  • Dedicated focus on Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, ensuring compatibility with all features.
  • Supports user-defined functions and procedures.
  • Offers a more comprehensive development environment compared to sqlfiddle.com.
• Weaknesses:
  • Requires account creation.
  • Free tier has limitations on storage and execution time.
  • Less well-known than sqlfiddle.com, potentially leading to a smaller user community and fewer resources.

Choosing the Right Platform

The best platform for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide:

• For cloud-based Oracle development with full feature support: Oracle Live SQL is the clear choice.
• For quick experimentation or working with multiple database systems: sqlfiddle.com is a good option, but be aware of limitations for Oracle-specific features.
• For dedicated Oracle development with PL/SQL support and a more comprehensive environment: dbfiddle.uk is a strong contender, especially if you’re willing to create an account and potentially upgrade to a paid plan for more resources.

Conclusion

All three platforms offer valuable features for Oracle SQL and PL/SQL development. By considering your specific requirements and the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, you can choose the one that best suits your workflow.

Additional Considerations

• Security: When using online platforms, be mindful of security implications, especially when dealing with sensitive data. Ensure the platform has appropriate security measures in place.
• Offline Development: If you need to work offline, Oracle Live SQL and dbfiddle.uk may not be suitable options. Consider local development environments for such scenarios.
• Collaboration: If collaboration is essential, some platforms might offer better features for sharing and working on code together.

I hope this comparison helps you select the most suitable platform for your Oracle SQL and PL/SQL development needs!