pl/sql object types "ORA-06530: Reference to uninitialized composite" error

I reproduced the same behaviour in Oracle 11gR1. I would agree with you, this seems like a bug to me too, albeit a trivial one.

SQL> CREATE OR REPLACE TYPE tbusiness_inter_item_bag AS OBJECT (  2     item_id              NUMBER(1),  3     system_event_cd      VARCHAR2 (20),  4     CONSTRUCTOR FUNCTION tbusiness_inter_item_bag RETURN SELF AS RESULT  5  );  6  /Type created.SQL> DECLARE  2     item   tbusiness_inter_item_bag;  3  BEGIN  4     item.item_id := 1;  5  END;  6  /PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.SQL>

Note that this still fails:

SQL> DECLARE  2     item   tbusiness_inter_item_bag;  3  BEGIN  4     item.item_id := 1;  5     item.system_event_cd := 'ABC';  6  END;  7  /DECLARE*ERROR at line 1:ORA-06530: Reference to uninitialized compositeORA-06512: at line 5SQL>

Obviously, the correct practice is always initialize objects before referencing them.

SQL> DECLARE  2     item   tbusiness_inter_item_bag := tbusiness_inter_item_bag();  3  BEGIN  4     item.system_event_cd  := 'ABC';  5  END;  6  /PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.SQL>

You need to call the constructor you defined:

SQL> DECLARE  2     item   tbusiness_inter_item_bag := tbusiness_inter_item_bag();  3     /*                                 ^^ call the constructor */  4  BEGIN  5     item.system_event_cd := 'ABC';  6  END;  7  /PL/SQL procedure successfully completed

I observe the behaviour you described on a 10.2.0.3 database. I wouldn't rely on it though, it looks like a bug.

I dont think its bug. As per documentation, you are supposed to initialize the composite type. This will always work :SQL> DECLARE2 item tbusiness_inter_item_bag := tbusiness_inter_item_bag();3 BEGIN4 item.system_event_cd := 'ABC';5 END;6 /

PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.

SQL>