In Oracle PL/SQL, what are cursor-related exceptions and when do they typically occur during cursor operations?

Introduction / Context:
Cursors are an important feature in Oracle PL/SQL for processing result sets row by row. Whenever you use explicit cursors or cursor variables, there is a possibility of misusing their operations, leading to errors. Cursor-related exceptions describe these error conditions. Interview questions about cursor exceptions test whether you understand how PL/SQL reports problems such as fetching from a closed cursor or opening one that is already open.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The environment is Oracle PL/SQL, where explicit cursors and cursor variables are supported. • The question asks specifically about cursor exceptions, not general SQL or operating system errors. • We assume familiarity with cursor operations: OPEN, FETCH, and CLOSE. • The focus is on conceptual understanding of what type of errors are reported as cursor exceptions.

Concept / Approach:
Cursor exceptions occur when there is a problem in how the PL/SQL code uses a cursor. Typical predefined exceptions include INVALID_CURSOR, which indicates an attempt to use an invalid cursor, and CURSOR_ALREADY_OPEN, which indicates that code tried to open a cursor that is already open. User-defined exceptions may also be raised in response to certain cursor usage conditions. These are different from syntax errors detected at compile time and from runtime issues unrelated to cursor operations, such as file I O or network problems. A correct definition must emphasize that cursor exceptions are tied specifically to misuse or failure of cursor operations within PL/SQL code.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that cursors represent pointers to result sets produced by queries. Step 2: Identify the main operations on explicit cursors: OPEN, FETCH, and CLOSE. Step 3: Recognize that using these operations incorrectly, such as fetching from a cursor that is not open, leads to runtime errors. Step 4: Understand that Oracle reports such runtime errors through predefined cursor exceptions like INVALID_CURSOR or CURSOR_ALREADY_OPEN. Step 5: Select the option that explicitly states that cursor exceptions are exceptions raised when cursor operations fail or are misused.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, imagine a simple example. You declare an explicit cursor, but in your PL/SQL block you accidentally call FETCH before OPEN. At runtime, Oracle cannot perform the fetch and raises a cursor related exception. Similarly, if you attempt to open an already open cursor, a cursor specific exception is triggered. These are very different from syntax errors written in the code editor, file system errors, or backup failures. That confirms that cursor exceptions are specialized PL/SQL exceptions associated with cursor operations, matching the wording of option a.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b confuses cursor exceptions with syntax errors, which are detected at compile time and are not specific to cursor operations. Option c refers to operating system file errors, which might be related to UTL_FILE usage but are not cursor exceptions. Option d talks about database backup failures and log shipping, which are high level administrative issues, not cursor usage problems. Option e attributes cursor exceptions to network connectivity problems, which may cause connection errors but are not classified as cursor exceptions in PL/SQL.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is assuming that any runtime error during a cursor loop is automatically a cursor exception. In reality, many other exceptions, such as NO_DATA_FOUND or ZERO_DIVIDE, can occur inside the loop body and are not directly related to the cursor itself. Another mistake is to ignore cursor exceptions and rely only on generic exception handlers, making debugging much harder. It is better to understand and handle specific cursor exceptions when necessary to provide clear diagnostics. Finally, developers sometimes forget to close cursors properly, which can lead to resource issues even if no explicit cursor exception is raised at that moment.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is Cursor exceptions are PL/SQL predefined or user-defined exceptions that are raised when cursor operations such as OPEN, FETCH, or CLOSE fail or are used incorrectly., because it clearly ties the exceptions to cursor misuse and distinguishes them from unrelated error categories.