Issues With Database Migration From Oracle To Postgres

By Author: John Cory
Total Articles: 644
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Data migration from Oracle to Postgres is normal for many businesses or individuals. This process can often prove to be a challenge as well as be very costly if the right person is not chosen for the job. Many companies do not want to take on the job because of the problems that may come up. While other problems may occur, there are three primary issues that can and will appear during this migration.

One the primary problems that people will face with this conversion is the difficulty in translating Oracle's PL/SQL source code to Postgres' PL/pgSQL. The conversion between the two source codes can be incredibly expensive and can take a lot of time due to needing to be completely recoded. Additionally, the changes will need to be tested and retested many times to make sure that the translation was correct and will be functional with the PL/pgSQL source code.

Another problem that people may face deals with the fact that once the translation is complete, it is not always operable. The two different source codes are known to behave in very different ways even when they have similar syntax. This can render ...
... translation difficult because a direct conversion between the two codes is likely not possible in order to accomplish a functional result. In order to have a functional outcome, the programmer will need to be trained and fluent in both kinds of coding.

The final obstacle that people will come across with this migration is that the client code interfaces will feel the impact of the conversion. A precise conversion between the two codes is almost impossible to accomplish because they are so different. The Oracle to Postgres conversion is also nearly impossible to complete without at least a small amount of information misplaced.

Tools are offered to help make the process of Oracle to Postgres migration easier by allowing for a large scale conversion and testing/retesting in a shorter amount of time. Generic migration tools are available directly from Oracle, but it is often best to have a tool made specifically for the system to minimize the loss of information.

There are many obstacles or problems that you may come across when attempting this process which is why it is a good idea for a professional to be called in to assist. Doing so will allow for reduced interferences and loss of information. A professional will also be able to make a tool specifically for your system which will make the translation as well as assess the functionality. If the job is completed successfully, then you should notice no huge errors or differences in functionality between the two.
Another aspect on this issue is available at oracle to postgres and remember to also check open source database. Special thanks to William I. Morcena for all the help in the approval of this Article.