More oracle 12C enhancements

Here are some basic notes on some enhancements that are part of the oracle 12c database release:

• Varchar can be 32K, you need to change a DB parameter, Max_string_size.  You also need to bounce the DB.
• Default / default on NULL.  So you can have a default value when NULL is specified (i.e. 50, or "something").  This is how you define a column when creating or altering a table.
• Identity column self populating uniqueness - finally.  This has taken a while.  Same concept in all other databases.
• Can create an invisible column – alter table.  Select * won’t show it, desc won’t show it, but if you know the column you’ll see it when you specifically mention in in your SQL statement.
• FETCH first 5 rows is available now, so you cal select the first 5 rows of a table - finally!!!  But remember if you sort, it still might take a long time - as the entire set needs to be sorted before giving you back your 5 rows.
• Data Redaction – mask data dynamically.  This is being back ported to 11.2.0.4.  Does not change data, just will show the field with a mask that you've defined.  This would be VERY cool for JD Edwards.  You could apply this on employee information and ALL reports and apps would show your defined redaction mask, instead of the actual values.  This is done with security in the database.  I believe that you need the advanced security option for EE.