Ocompile

Ocompile is a term that sometimes appears in discussions related to the Oracle database and its internal processes, particularly concerning the compilation of PL/SQL code. It is not a standard, officially documented Oracle command or utility. Instead, it refers to the background compilation of PL/SQL objects that Oracle performs automatically to ensure consistency and performance.

When PL/SQL code is created or altered, it is often initially stored in an invalid state. The Oracle database engine will then perform an "ocompilation" process, either automatically or upon request, to parse the PL/SQL, check for dependencies, and generate the necessary executable code. This compilation ensures that the PL/SQL is valid and ready to be executed efficiently.

This process can occur in various scenarios. For example, after a database upgrade, many PL/SQL objects might become invalid due to changes in the database's internal structures or built-in packages. Ocompile is the mechanism Oracle uses to recompile these objects. It can also be triggered by changes to dependent objects. Users might also manually initiate this compilation using the DBMS_DDL.ALTER_COMPILE procedure or by recompiling invalid objects through SQL*Plus or other tools. The goal of ocompile is to maintain the integrity and performance of PL/SQL code within the Oracle database environment.