The SQL / PLSQL developper mantra...

I read an article written by the fabulous Tom Kyte that says something that I think for many years :

I have a pretty simple mantra when it comes to developing database software, and I have written this many times over the years:

• You should do it in a single SQL statement if at all possible.
• If you cannot do it in a single SQL statement, do it in PL/SQL.
• If you cannot do it in PL/SQL, try a Java stored procedure.
• If you cannot do it in Java, do it in a C external procedure.
• If you cannot do it in a C external procedure, you might want to seriously think about why it is you need to do it.

If you can do it in a single SQL statement, by all means do it in a single SQL statement. Do not waste time, energy, and CPU cycles writing procedural code that will run slower than regular SQL.