I need a sample Oracle database for practice

I am new to Oracle and I want to learn sql and pl/sql programming. Is there a sample database that I can practice on?

You can download the small footprint edition of Oracle - Oracle 10g Express Edition - from the Oracle Technology Network. This is available for Linux (x86) and Microsoft Windows. This is an entry-level database ideal for training yourself and there are no license restrictions.

If you want to learn the advanced features or you want the latest version of Oracle (Oracle 11g Release 2) then you can download the Enterprise Edition from the Oracle Technology Network. Oracle 11g Enterprise Edition is available for Windows but has a much bigger footprint than the Express Edition and doesn't tend to work very well on a home pc. Alternatively you could download the Enterprise Edition for Linux x86 and install this in a virtual Linux environment (by using VirtualBox). This runs under Windows and enables you to use the Linux version in a virtualized environment. See here for a step by step guide to installing Oracle 11g in a virtual Linux environment.

The Oracle Technology Network alos has resources for you to teach yourself about Oracle, also see our Oracle and SQL tutorials and the Oracle pl/sql tutorials. These are designed for absolute beginners to provide the concepts and then show you how to become proficient in SQL and PL/SQL.

If you want to gain the Oracle DBA certification, a good resource is Sybex's OCP: Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional Certification Kit: (1Z0-051, 1Z0-052, and 1Z0-053). This covers everything you need to pass the certification exams.