Item: Toad Database Developer Tools
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Toad for Oracle is being used by a department. We use it to monitor database activity, create database jobs, PL/SQL development, SQL tuning, and for the creation and maintaining of functions, procedures, packages, and views. We also use it to create new tables, sequences, and to alter existing tables. I have used it to debug but find it was crashing at times during that process so I debug several other ways instead.

Pros and Cons

Very easy to get an explain plan on a query that is running a bit slow.
You have the ability to change the layout of Toad for Oracle to be more appealing to you as a user. For example, In schema browser you can set the selections in a drop down view, a tab view, or another view.
You are able to have multiple session schemas open at the same time.

I think more understandable explain plans would help some users be better able to correct issues of slow queries. This would be more appealing to less experienced users.
Trying to set up the options for Toad for Oracle is rather cumbersome. It is sometimes difficult to find the options that you are seeking. I think the options could be laid out in a better way.
Random crashing of Toad for Oracle when you stop execution of a query.

Return on Investment

Faster development
Easy transition for employees to learn and adapt to Toad for Oracle

Alternatives Considered

SQL Navigator and plsql Developer

I believe PL/SQL Developer is better for debugging a script as I stated earlier Toad for Oracle tends to crash when debugging. For features and layout, I would put Toad for Oracle in front of the other two. I do not recall much about SQL Navigator as I used it many years ago.

Likelihood to Recommend

Do you do database monitoring?
Do you develop PL/SQL?

Users and Roles

20

Support Headcount Required

We are a global company and have users in 3 continents. The users are varied. We have support teams that use Toad to support several different applications globally. We also have Process Consultants/Developers that use Toad to create tables, procedures, functions, packages, triggers, sequences, etc... We also use it to monitor usage.

Business Processes Supported

Support
development
Database usage monitoring

Innovative Uses

Monitoring users and processes to be able to see bottlenecks within our system
Developing and testing processes. Not so innovative but it works for us
Using Toad to find where a procedure, function or whatever is referenced in other processes when we are adding a new parameter without putting DEFAULT on the specification for the new parameter.

Future Planned Uses

Data Modeling
Debugging
Code sharing

Likelihood to Renew

9

It is the preferred tool for our organization.

Products Replaced

No

Key Differentiators

Product Features
Product Usability
Product Reputation
Prior Experience with the Product

Prior experience is what swayed me to this tool. I have used other data base tools such as SQL Navigator and PL/SQL Developer. All have their high points and low points. I found I just like Toad better in overall ease of use and layout. Also, Toad has improved a lot over the years. Still a work in progress on certain things but overall a reliable tool.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

I don't think I would do anything different in my evaluation and selection process. I guess if I truly had to I would include more of the potential users from my company to help evaluate the tool and give feed back. This may make the tool more easily accepted if they have the ability to give it a test ride so to speak.

Usability

8

I give is an 8 because nothing is a 10 and there is always room for improvement. I believe the user who is not as technologically inclined would be better suited with an easier way to identify the options for setting the layout up for Toad's GUI. To some it is very cumbersome and confusing.

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar	None

Easy Tasks

Explain plans on slow running queries
Developing PL/SQL blocks
Session Monitoring

Difficult Tasks

Toad Options- trying to find where and what options are and what they actually do.
Monitoring sessions can be a bit challenging. Would be nice if they had a link-up between locked session and the user. Color coded.
Help functionality could be improved.

Toad from a Developer's standpoint

Software Version

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with Toad for Oracle