PAUSE

Purpose

Displays an empty line followed by a line containing text, then waits for the user to press [Return], or displays two empty lines and waits for the user's response.

Syntax

PAU[SE] [text]

Terms and Clauses

Refer to the following for a description of the clause or term:

text

Represents the text you wish to display.

Enter PAUSE followed by no text to display two empty lines.

Usage Notes

Because PAUSE always waits for the user's response, it is best to use a message that tells the user explicitly to press [Return].

PAUSE reads input from the terminal (if a terminal is available) even when you have designated the source of the command input as a file.

For information on pausing between pages of a report, see the PAUSE variable of the SET command later in this chapter.

Example

To print "Adjust paper and press RETURN to continue." and to have SQL*Plus wait for the user to press [Return], you might include the following PAUSE command in a command file:

SET PAUSE OFF
PAUSE Adjust paper and press RETURN to continue.
SELECT ...