Sql*Plus User’s Guide and Reference

Warning:
Including your password in plain text is a security risk. 
You can avoid this risk by omitting the password, and entering it 
only when the system prompts for it.

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Part II
Part II
 Using SQL*Plus
Part II helps you learn how to use SQL*Plus, how to tune SQL*Plus for better 
performance, how to restrict access to tables and commands and provides overviews 
of database administration tools and globalization support. 
Part II contains the following chapters:
■
SQL*Plus Basics
■
Using Scripts in SQL*Plus
■
Formatting SQL*Plus Reports
■
Generating HTML Reports from SQL*Plus
■
Tuning SQL*Plus
■
SQL*Plus Security
■
Database Administration with SQL*Plus
■
SQL*Plus Globalization Support

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4
SQL*Plus Basics
4-1
4
 SQL*Plus Basics
This chapter helps you learn the basics of using SQL*Plus. It has the following topics:
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Entering and Executing Commands
■
Listing a Table Definition
■
Listing PL/SQL Definitions
■
Running SQL Commands
■
Running PL/SQL Blocks
■
Running SQL*Plus Commands
■
System Variables that Affect How Commands Run
■
Stopping a Command while it is Running
■
Running Operating System Commands
■
Pausing the Display
■
Saving Changes to the Database Automatically
■
Interpreting Error Messages
Entering and Executing Commands
Unless stated otherwise, descriptions of commands are applicable to all user 
interfaces.
In the command-line, type commands at the SQL*Plus prompt and press Return to 
execute them. 
Usually, you separate the words in a command with a space or a tab. You can use 
additional spaces or tabs between words to make your commands more readable.
Case sensitivity is operating system specific. For the sake of clarity, all table names, 
column names, and commands in this guide appear in capital letters.
You can enter three kinds of commands:
■
SQL commands, for working with information in the database
■
PL/SQL blocks, also for working with information in the database
■
SQL*Plus commands, for formatting query results, setting options, and editing 
and storing SQL commands and PL/SQL blocks
The manner in which you continue a command on additional lines, end a command, 
or execute a command differs depending on the type of command you wish to enter 

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Listing a Table Definition
4-2
SQL*Plus User's Guide and Reference
and run. Examples of how to run and execute these types of commands are found on 
the following pages.