What is a Cursor in PL/SQL and How is it Used in Programming?

When it comes to PL/SQL programming, a cursor is a database object used to retrieve and manipulate data. Cursors are used to process individual rows returned by a query, allowing for more control over the result set. In PL/SQL, there are two main types of cursors: implicit and explicit.

Implicit cursors are automatically created by the system when a SQL statement is executed. They are simple to use but offer limited functionality. Explicit cursors, on the other hand, are defined by the programmer and provide more control over the data retrieval process.

To use a cursor in PL/SQL programming, you need to follow these steps:

1. Declare the cursor: Define the cursor and the query it will execute.
2. Open the cursor: Execute the query and prepare the cursor to fetch data.
3. Fetch data: Iterate through the result set and retrieve rows one by one.
4. Close the cursor: Release resources and end the cursor operation.

Overall, cursors are essential tools in PL/SQL programming for handling and manipulating data efficiently. By using cursors effectively, you can improve the performance and flexibility of your code.