What is the purpose of the DECLARE statement in Oracle?

In Oracle, the DECLARE keyword is used to define one or more variables that can be used in a PL/SQL block. This statement is typically the first part of a PL/SQL block and is used to declare the names, types, and initial values of variables. By using the DECLARE statement, these variables can be used to store and manipulate data within the PL/SQL block, allowing for more complex logic and calculations. Using the DECLARE statement can improve the readability and maintainability of code, as well as provide better performance.