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.

Intended 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 Oracle8i SQL Reference. 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.

Structure

This manual is divided into two parts containing a total of eight chapters, six appendices and a glossary of SQL*Plus related terms. Part 1, "Understanding SQL*Plus" contains the first six chapters and Part 2, "Reference" contains the remaining two chapters.

PART I, Understanding SQL*Plus

Chapter 1	"Introduction" is an overview of SQLPlus, with instructions on using this Guide, and information on what you need to run SQLPlus.
Chapter 2	"Learning SQLPlus Basics" explains how to start SQLPlus and enter and execute commands. You learn by following step-by-step examples using sample tables.
Chapter 3	"Manipulating Commands" uses further examples to help you learn to edit commands, save them for later use, and write interactive commands.
Chapter 4	"Formatting Query Results" uses examples to explain how you can format columns, clarify your reports with spacing and summary lines, define page dimensions and titles, store and print query results, and output query results to the web.
Chapter 5	"Database Administration" is intended for use by DBAs. It covers basic database administration features in SQL*Plus.
Chapter 6	"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.

PART II, Reference

Chapter 7	"Starting SQLPlus and Getting Help" explains how to access SQLPlus from the operating system prompt, and how to access online help.
Chapter 8	"Command Reference" provides a summary of SQLPlus commands and detailed descriptions of each SQLPlus command in alphabetical order.
Appendix A	"COPY Command Messages and Codes" lists copy command error messages, their causes, and appropriate actions for error recovery.
Appendix B	"Release 8.1.7 Enhancements" describes enhancements to SQL*Plus in release 8.1.7.
Appendix C	"SQLPlus Limits" lists the maximum values for elements of SQLPlus.
Appendix D	"SQL Command List" lists the major SQL commands and clauses.
Appendix E	"Security" explains how to restrict access to certain SQL*Plus and SQL commands.
Appendix F	"Obsolete SQLPlus Commands" provides information on Obsolete SQLPlus commands.
Glossary	"Glossary" defines technical terms associated with Oracle and SQL*Plus.

Preface

Intended Audience

Structure

PART I, Understanding SQL*Plus

PART II, Reference

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