update a oracle table using shell script

Hi,
I would like to know how to update a table in Oracle database, if a command in one shell script either successfully completes or it fails.(like Y if its success or N if its a failure)

While the command is running,I am able to view the log file created in the Unix machine.After the command is exexcuted,it has to update a column in Oracle database . How can I do this?

any ideas or solutions are welcome.

Have you attempted to code any part of a solution? Have you searched this site for similar solutions? Have you googled for assistance?

Please do not ask for complete answers to your problems. If you show that you have done some work yourself to solve the problem then people would be more willing to help.

Cheers
ZB

Example how to insert stuff in Oracle from a simple shell-script:

#!/bin/bash
ORACLE_SID="my_sid"
# Other oracle stuff if you need them, $ORACLE_HOME, $PATH etc 
MYVAR="apple"

sqlplus -s scott/tiger <<EOF
insert into sold_items values (id_sold_items_seq.nextval, '$MYVAR')
/
EOF

Regarding the success of a command; it depends on what shell you are using, i.e. bash use $? as the return value of te previous process.