# Pro*C

> embedded SQL programming language used by Oracle Database management systems

**Wikidata**: [Q2111340](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2111340)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro*C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pro-c

## Summary
Pro*C is an embedded SQL programming language used by Oracle Database management systems. It allows developers to write SQL statements directly within a host programming language (such as C or C++), enabling efficient database interaction. It was designed to integrate SQL with procedural programming for Oracle databases.

## Key Facts
- An embedded SQL programming language for Oracle Database management systems.
- Used to write SQL statements within host languages like C or C++.
- Part of Oracle's suite of database tools for application development.
- Supports procedural programming alongside SQL queries.
- Aliases include Pro-C/C++.
- Available in multiple Wikipedia language editions (de, en, fr, it, ja, ta).
- Classified as a programming language under the broader category of language for communicating instructions to a machine.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Pro*C used for?
A: Pro*C is used to embed SQL statements within C or C++ programs, allowing developers to interact with Oracle databases efficiently.

### Q: Is Pro*C still in use today?
A: Yes, Pro*C remains a supported tool for Oracle Database development, though newer alternatives like JDBC or ODBC may be preferred in some cases.

### Q: Can Pro*C be used with other programming languages besides C and C++?
A: While primarily associated with C/C++, Pro*C can be adapted for other languages through Oracle's embedded SQL frameworks.

### Q: How does Pro*C differ from SQL*Plus?
A: Pro*C is designed for embedding SQL in application code, whereas SQL*Plus is an interactive command-line tool for direct database access.

### Q: Is Pro*C part of Oracle's modern development tools?
A: Pro*C is still supported but is considered legacy compared to newer Oracle development tools like PL/SQL and OCI.

## Why It Matters
Pro*C played a crucial role in early Oracle database application development by enabling seamless integration of SQL with procedural programming languages. It allowed developers to build robust database-driven applications by embedding SQL queries directly into C or C++ code. While newer technologies like JDBC and ODBC have since emerged, Pro*C remains relevant for maintaining and extending legacy Oracle applications. Its embedded approach provided a bridge between SQL and procedural logic, making it a foundational tool in Oracle’s ecosystem. Today, Pro*C is recognized as a historical and technical milestone in database programming, though its use has declined with the rise of more modern development paradigms.

## Notable For
- Pioneered embedded SQL integration for Oracle databases.
- Enabled SQL statements to be embedded in C/C++ applications.
- Supported procedural programming alongside database queries.
- Part of Oracle’s legacy development toolkit.
- Still used in maintaining older Oracle-based systems.

## Body
### Overview
Pro*C is an embedded SQL programming language developed for Oracle Database systems. It allows developers to write SQL statements within C or C++ programs, enabling direct interaction with Oracle databases. This integration was particularly useful for building applications that required both procedural logic and database operations.

### Historical Context
Pro*C was introduced as part of Oracle’s early tools for application development. It bridged the gap between SQL and procedural programming languages, allowing developers to embed SQL queries within C or C++ code. This approach was innovative at the time and remains a key feature of Oracle’s development ecosystem.

### Technical Features
- **Embedded SQL**: Pro*C allows SQL statements to be embedded directly within C or C++ code.
- **Oracle Integration**: Designed specifically for Oracle Database, supporting its SQL dialect and features.
- **Legacy Status**: While still functional, Pro*C is considered a legacy tool compared to newer alternatives like JDBC and ODBC.

### Usage and Relevance
- **Application Development**: Pro*C was widely used in early Oracle-based applications.
- **Maintenance**: Still used in maintaining older Oracle systems.
- **Educational Value**: Provides insight into early database programming techniques.

### Alternatives
- **JDBC/ODBC**: Modern alternatives for database connectivity.
- **PL/SQL**: Oracle’s procedural language for SQL.
- **OCI**: Oracle Call Interface for advanced database programming.

Pro*C remains a notable example of how embedded SQL was integrated into application development, though its use has declined with the evolution of database programming technologies.

## References

1. Quora