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Finding sum of first n natural numbers in PL/SQL
In this problem, we are given a number N. Our task is to finding sum of first n natural numbers in PL/SQL.
PL/SQL is a combination of SQL along with the procedural features of programming languages.
PL/SQL has the following features −
PL/SQL is tightly integrated with SQL.
It offers extensive error checking.
It offers numerous data types.
It offers a variety of programming structures.
It supports structured programming through functions and procedures.
It supports object-oriented programming.
It supports the development of web applications and server pages.
PL/SQL has the following advantages −
SQL is the standard database language and PL/SQL is strongly integrated with SQL. PL/SQL supports both static and dynamic SQL. Static SQL supports DML operations and transaction control from PL/SQL block. In Dynamic SQL, SQL allows embedding DDL statements in PL/SQL blocks.
PL/SQL allows sending an entire block of statements to the database at one time. This reduces network traffic and provides high performance for the applications.
PL/SQL gives high productivity to programmers as it can query, transform, and update data in a database.
PL/SQL saves time on design and debugging by strong features, such as exception handling, encapsulation, data hiding, and object-oriented data types.
Applications written in PL/SQL are fully portable.
PL/SQL provides high security level.
PL/SQL provides access to predefined SQL packages.
PL/SQL provides support for Object-Oriented Programming.
PL/SQL provides support for developing Web Applications and Server Pages.
Let's take an example to understand the problem,
Input: N = 6 Output: 21
Solution Approach
PL/SQL works just like another programming language and the algorithm to find the number of first n natural numbers is the same. For finding it we have two methods.
Method 1
One method to solve the problem is by using a sum variable and adding each value from 1 to N to the sum. The values of sum after all additions are done is the result.
Example
Program to illustrate the working of our solution
DECLARE
sumVal NUMBER;
n NUMBER;
i NUMBER;
FUNCTION Findmax(n IN NUMBER)
RETURN NUMBER
IS
sums NUMBER := 0;
BEGIN
FOR i IN 1..n
LOOP
sums := sums + i*(i+1)/2;
END LOOP;
RETURN sums;
END;
BEGIN
n := 8;
sumVal := findmax(n);
dbms_output.Put_line('Sum of natural numbers is ' || sumVal);
END;Output
Sum of natural numbers is 36
Method 2
An alternate method to solve the problem is by using the general formula to find the sum of the first N natural numbers. The same can be implemented with PL/SQL.
The formula for finding the sum of first N natural numbers is $(N^*(N+1)(N+2))/6$.
Example
Program to illustrate the working of our solution
DECLARE
sumNum NUMBER;
N NUMBER;
FUNCTION Findmax(N IN NUMBER)
RETURN NUMBER
IS
sumVal NUMBER;
BEGIN
sumVal := (N * (N + 1) * (N + 2)) / 6;
RETURN sumVal;
END;
BEGIN
N := 8;
sumNum := findmax(N);
dbms_output.Put_line('Sum of natural numbers is ' || sumNum);
END;Output
Sum of natural numbers is 36
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