Why progress indicators are so important for creating a usable data-driven application

Often, tasks that involve processing lots of database records may leave users wondering when the task will be finished. You can put users at ease by adding a progress indicator--i.e., a bar showing how much longer the operation will take. Even if the operation involves a single time-intensive update statement, you can use information from v$session_longups to get the information you need.

According to work published by the well-known usability expert Jakob Nielsen, www.useit.com/papers/responsetime.html, there are a couple of good reasons for having application progress indicators:

• They reassure users that the application is still working on their problem.
• They provide information that helps users make decisions about doing other activities during long wait times.
• They make waiting less painful by providing something to look at.

Information for tip was contributed by Chaim Katz.