** "Difference Between Normal and Ref Cursors in PL/SQL" In PL/SQL, normal cursors and ref cursors are two types of cursors with distinct characteristics. A normal cursor has a predefined, static query that is declared at compile-time and cannot be altered during runtime. In contrast, a ref cursor allows for dynamic querying at runtime using the OPEN statement, enabling changes to the query based on runtime conditions. This difference in functionality impacts how PL/SQL developers approach database operations, influencing decisions around data retrieval and manipulation. Understanding these distinctions can help programmers optimize their code for efficiency and scalability. ** Source: https://dev.to/mrcaption49/normal-cursor-vs-ref-cursor-if0