Formatting Query Results with SQL Plus

SQL is the set of statements that all programs and users must use to access data within the ORACLE database. Application programs and ORACLE tools often allow users to access the database without directly using SQL but these applications in turn must use SQL when executing the users request.

What is SQL*PLUS?,

SQL"Plus is an Oracle product that provides an open window into the Oracle database, It provides developers and end users with the ability to interact directly with the database. SQL commands and PL/ SQL blocks are submitted in SQL 'Plus ro query, manipulate, or delete data in Oracle database. SQL*Plus commands are issued to control the SQL"Plus environment and to format the database information returned by the SQL commands.

How to use SQL *PLUS

SQL*Plus is used in the command line environment to control various features of Oracle session. The following sections decribes SQL*Plus and its many uses.

Environment Commands

The SQL*Plus environment commands define the system parameters that you work within, The set and show commands are used to control these parainter. The set command is used with an extensive number of options that control the interaction of the user's terminal with other SQL commands. The show command is used to display the current setting of the various parameters that have been established by the set command. The general syntax is.

set parameter value

These parameters establish the general look and feel of your SQL*Plus session. You establish the parameter value with the set commands. The following are the options that are to be used with session commands.

Feedback n This defines the number of records returned by a query, Where the query selects atleast n records.

Feedback on/off This determines whether the feedback display in on or off. The default is on.

Pause msg This displays a message after scrolling through one screen full of output when running reports. When the message is displayed the user responds by pressing enter.

Pause on/off Thi's determines whether the pause feature is on or off. The default is on.

Pagesize This sets the number of lines / pages to n. The default is 14

Linesize n This sets the number of characters per line to n. The default is 80

Heading on/off This determines if column headings are displayed. The default is on.

Space This sets the number of spaces between columns. The maximum value is 10. The default is 80.

Echo on/off This determines whether each command in a text file is displayed on the screen as it is being executed. The default is off

Verify on/off This determines whether each command in a SQL statement is displayed before and after SQL*Plus substitution parameters are replaced by actual values.

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