Question

I want to use the typical java notation.
I need a Timer but I don’t want to create a Package with just two variable (start and finish time, and a few methods).

Can I create a inline package, type or record that can contain functions?

Answer 1

You can use objects:

CREATE OR REPLACE TYPE timer  AS OBJECT
(
  start_time  DATE
, end_time    DATE 
, CONSTRUCTOR FUNCTION timer
  RETURN SELF AS RESULT
, MEMBER FUNCTION get_duration
  RETURN NUMBER
)
;
/

CREATE OR REPLACE TYPE BODY timer IS


  CONSTRUCTOR FUNCTION timer      
  RETURN SELF AS RESULT
  IS
  BEGIN
    SELF.start_time := SYSDATE;
    RETURN;
  END;

  MEMBER FUNCTION get_duration
  RETURN NUMBER
  IS
  BEGIN
    RETURN  NVL(SELF.end_time, SYSDATE) - SELF.start_time;
  END get_duration;

END;
/