When working with Oracle databases, developers often encounter the need to conditionally create tables. Unlike PostgreSQL and MySQL, Oracle doesn't provide a direct `CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS` syntax. However, there are reliable methods to achieve this functionality. This article discusses two approaches: using PL/SQL blocks with exception handling and checking the data dictionary.

The first method involves creating a PL/SQL block that attempts to create the table. If the table already exists, an error is raised, which can be caught and handled. The second approach involves checking the data dictionary to see if the table already exists before attempting to create it.

Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. The PL/SQL approach provides a robust solution but may require more code. The data dictionary check method is more concise but may not be as robust.

Source: https://dev.to/andylawrence/how-to-implement-create-table-if-not-exists-in-oracle-fnh