Some of the largest companies in existence rely on Oracle, one of the most widely used database systems worldwide. Oracle offers cutting-edge capabilities in a variety of areas, including management, performance, security, and development. Oracle has launched numerous distinct Oracle database versions.
This database system is simple to use for both database administrators and developers to build cutting-edge apps for their companies’ operations. The Oracle name is well-known for its ongoing commitment to laying the groundwork for the future creation of updated functionality to better support organisations of all sizes with their data management requirements. The most recent Oracle versions are 11G, 12C, 18C, and 19C.
A breakdown of Oracle Versions
Version 11G
Version 11G of the Oracle database is an older release, having been made available back in 2008. There are no pluggable databases in this RDBMS. It is seen that installing, developing, and managing this Oracle version is relatively simple. With its user-friendly browser-based interface, database changes may be tested automatically. Previous Oracle versions were missing this crucial function, which is invaluable.
You can view older versions of tables with version 11G. Additionally, it offers better data compression overall. Running reports becomes significantly faster thanks to this feature because it requires less disc space. In this edition, the coveted SQL developer was launched, which offers developers a graphical user interface tool to better effectively query, define, and manipulate data.
Version 12C
The first version of the C series, Version 12C, was formally released by Oracle in 2014. Given that it is the first version of Oracle created with cloud computing in mind, this high-performance RDBMS is denoted with a C rather than a G. Businesses can move their current Oracle database data to the Cloud very easily with this Oracle version. The Oracle Database now includes 500 new features thanks to version 12C. The multitenant architecture and pluggable databases are the most significant characteristics.
Version 18C
One of the most recent releases as a standalone database is Oracle Version 18C. Self-securing and self-repair are features of this self-driving database. Both on-site installations and the Oracle cloud are compatible with version 18C. Based on its 2018 release year, this version has begun a new Oracle version naming system. There are no releases between 12C and 18C as a result.
Version 19C
Early in January 2019, the 19C, the most recent version of Oracle, was released. It has been identified as the long-term release for the Oracle database 12.2 product family. With extended support available through 2026, this particular version will be supported until 2023.
In the 19C release, some of the newest features are:
- Query Quarantine – Unlike earlier Oracle releases, 19C addresses the issue of query demands overwhelming system resources. To prevent certain searches from repeatedly running, this version offers automatic query quarantine.
- JSON Support – The syntax for JSON functions has been made simpler in this release, and users can now alter JSON in pieces. Additionally, it offers SODA APIs for Java, C, Python, and Node.js.
- Automatic Indexing – A machine learning algorithm feature called automatic indexing is available in 19C, and it gives constant index adjustment. This approach improves system performance and generates additional cost savings. This database version will create indexes that enable more effective strategies for each dataset after only a brief period of use.
- Hybrid Partition Tables: Database administrators may easily handle tables both inside and outside of the database thanks to this 19C capability. The database’s internal partitions as well as those in read-only data storage outside of the database that are either on-site or in the cloud may both be maintained with ease.
- Active Data Guard: During database updates and repairs, Active Data Guard aims to minimise downtime and data loss. It permits the execution of incidental updates while a synchronised physical replica or standby is kept.
Why upgrade to the 19C Oracle Version?
For your company, upgrading to the most recent Oracle version has numerous wonderful advantages. The Oracle lifetime support policy only adheres to their most recent version. Your support will expire if you don’t update from a prior version, leaving your company without Oracle support for any problems you could have.
The fact that newer operating systems can only handle newer database programmes is reason number two on the list. Some of the more recent operating systems that your company is probably using don’t support some of the earlier Oracle versions. You’ll have problems when updating your operating systems if you don’t keep upgrading your database version.
Finally, take security into account. The most secure version of any technology is always the most recent. This is due to the engineers’ evaluation of earlier versions’ security flaws. Then, they fix these issues in their most recent release, making the consumer even safer.