Preface

The SQL*Plus (pronounced "sequel plus") User's Guide and Reference introduces the SQL*Plus program and its uses. It also provides a detailed description of each SQL*Plus command.

Audience

This Guide addresses business and technical professionals who have a basic understanding of the SQL database language. If you do not have any familiarity with this database tool, you should refer to the Oracle8 Server SQL Reference Manual. If you plan to use the PL/SQL database language in conjunction with SQL*Plus, refer to the PL/SQL User's Guide and Reference for information on using PL/SQL.

How to Use this Guide

Refer to the following tables for a list of topics covered by this Guide, a description of each topic, and the number of the chapter that covers the topic.

PART I Understanding SQL*Plus

Topic

Description

Chapter Number

Introduction

Gives an overview of SQL*Plus, instructions on using this Guide, and information on what you need to run SQL*Plus.

Learning SQL*Plus Basics

Explains how to start SQL*Plus and enter and execute commands. You learn by following step-by-step examples using sample tables.

Manipulating Commands

Also through examples, helps you learn to edit commands, save them for later use, and write interactive commands.

Formatting Query Results

Explains how you can format columns, clarify your report with spacing and summary lines, define page dimensions and titles, and store and print query results. Also uses step-by-step examples.

Accessing Databases

Tells you how to connect to default and remote databases, and how to copy data between databases and between tables on the same database. Includes one example.

PART II Reference

Topic

Description

Chapter Number

Starting SQL*Plus and Getting Help

Explains how to access SQL*Plus from the operating system prompt, and how to access online help.

Command Reference

Gives you a SQL*Plus command summary and detailed descriptions of each SQL*Plus command in alphabetical order.

COPY Command Messages and Codes

Lists copy command error messages, their causes, and appropriate actions for error recovery.

Appendix A

Release 8.0 Enhancements

Describes enhancements to SQL*Plus in Release 8.0.

Appendix B

SQL*Plus Limits

Lists the maximum values for elements of SQL*Plus.

Appendix C

SQL Command List

Provides a list of major SQL commands and clauses.

Appendix D

Security

Explains how to restrict users' access to certain SQL*Plus and SQL commands.

Appendix E

SQL*Plus Commands from Earlier Releases

Provides information on SQL*Plus commands from earlier Releases.

Appendix F

Glossary

Defines technical terms associated with Oracle and SQL*Plus.

Glossary

Related Publications

Related documentation includes the following publications:

SQL*Plus Quick Reference

PL/SQL User's Guide and Reference

Oracle8 Server SQL Reference Manual

Oracle8 Server Concepts Manual

Oracle8 Server Administrator's Guide

Oracle8 Server Backup and Recovery Guide

Oracle8 Server Application Developer's Guide

Oracle8 Server Distributed Systems Manual

Oracle8 Server Replication Manual

Oracle8 Server Utilities Guide

Oracle8 Server Messages Manual

Oracle8 Server Migration Guide

Oracle8 Server Reference Manual

Oracle8 Server Tuning Guide

Oracle8 Parallel Server Concepts and Administration Manual

Oracle Tools for UNIX Administrator's Reference Guide

Programmer's Guide to the Oracle Call Interface

Programmer's Guide to the Oracle Pro*COBOL Precompiler

Programmer's Guide to the Oracle Pro*C/C++ Precompiler

Oracle installation and user's manual(s) provided for your operating system

Your Comments Are Welcome

Oracle Corporation values and appreciates your comments as an Oracle user and reader of the manuals. As we write, revise, and evaluate, your opinions are the most important input we receive. At the back of this manual is a Reader's Comment Form that we encourage you to use to tell us both what you like and what you dislike about this (or other) Oracle manuals. If the form is not at the end of this manual, or if you would like to contact us, please use the following addresses and phone numbers.

For documentation questions/comments, contact:

SQL*Plus Documentation Manager

Australian Product Development Center

Oracle Systems (Australia) Pty. Limited

324 St. Kilda Road

Melbourne  VIC  3004

Australia

+61 3 9209 1600 (telephone)

+61 3 9690 0043 (fax)

For product questions/comments, contact:

SQL*Plus Product Manager

Australian Product Development Center

Oracle Systems (Australia) Pty. Limited

324 St. Kilda Road

Melbourne  VIC  3004

Australia

+61 3 9209 1600 (telephone)

+61 3 9690 0043 (fax)

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