Type checking is the operation on which the arguments that can only be applied for.

Static type checking performs the type checking operation before the execution of the program. To perform this operation, the arguments, expressions, variables must be given a data type.

Dynamic type checking performs the type checking operation at the time of the program execution. To perform this operation, the arguments, expressions, variables must be given a data type.

Function prototyping is a function declaration statement that tells the compiler about the return type of the function and the number as well as type of arguments required by the function at the time of calling it.

Syntax:

return_type function_name( type1 arg1, type 2 arg2, ... );

Advantages of function prototype :

- It helps the compiler in determining whether a function is called correctly or not. Each time when a function is called, its calling statement is compared with its prototype. In case of any mismatch, compiler reports an error.

- A function must be defined before calling it. But prototyping allows a function to be called before defining it.

Stack unwinding is a process of calling all destructors for all automatic objects constructed at run time when an exception is thrown. Destructors are called between the places where the exception was thrown and where it is caught.

- Friend classes are useful when a class wants to hide features from users which are needed only by another, tightly coupled class. 

- Implementation details can be kept safe by providing friend status to a tightly cohesive class.

- Clustering means one than one database server configured for the same user connection. When users connect, one of the server’s responds and connects based on availability. The user is completely ignorant of the fact that there are more than one database servers. It demands high cost due to infrastructure needs. Clustering is hence done on server level.

- Mirroring means, one has many configured databases on the same server. Mirrors are basically copies of the original database. Mirroring is hence done on database level. 

Locking is a mechanism to ensure data integrity while allowing maximum concurrent access to data. It is used to implement concurrency control when multiple users access table to manipulate its data at the same time.

Advantages :

- Avoids deadlock conditions

- Avoids clashes in capturing the resources

The backup strategies that are provided by Oracle are as follows:

- Logical backup using Exports and import.

- Physical file system backup

- RMAN Recovery Manger which is also known as incremental files system backup.

The following are the areas of concern for tuning:

- Memory Usage

- Data Storage

- Data Manipulation

- Physical Storage

- Logic Storage

- Network Traffic

Tuning Memory Usage: In Oracle 10g, we can use the Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) toolset to gather and manage statistical data but in case of Oracle 11g, we can use new initialization parameters such as MEMORY_TARGET to further control the overall memory used by Oracle. It helps us to tune the database automatically when we don’t have time to read the AWR report.

Tuning Data Manipulation: There are two ways to tune Data manipulation in Oracle one way is through Conventional Path mode and second is Direct Path mode.

Tuning Physical Storage: We need to tune the physical storage because it limits the disk in database. This can be done by: Distributing I/O, Striping and Mirroring.