SQL*Plus

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SQL*Plus is an Oracle command line utility which runs SQL and PL/SQL commands interactively or from a script. Complete documentation for SQL*Plus can be found on the Oracle website^[1].

SQL*Plus is a simple tool with a basic command line interface. It is commonly used because it is available in almost any Oracle software installation.

Contents 1 Command types 2 Versions 2.1 UFI 2.2 Advanced UFI 2.3 SQL*Plus 3 Uses 4 Compatibility 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Command types

SQL*Plus understands SQL statements, PL/SQL blocks and internal commands^[2]. All of these may be combined in scripts.

Launch SQL*Plus, for example, by entering sqlplus scott/tiger where scott is an Oracle user with the password tiger. SQL*Plus then presents a prompt:

SQL>

Enter a SQL statement (terminated by a semicolon) PL/SQL block or other command.

SQL> select 'Hello world' as example from dual;

EXAMPLE
--------------------------------
Hello world

[edit] Versions

[edit] UFI

SQL*Plus's predecessor was called UFI (User Friendly Interface). UFI was included in Oracle database releases up to Version 4.

[edit] Advanced UFI

After new features were added to UFI, it was renamed internally to Advanced UFI. The name "Advanced UFI" was changed to SQL*Plus before this version was released.

[edit] SQL*Plus

SQL*Plus is the current name of the product.

[edit] Uses

Interactive use has mostly been replaced by graphical interfaces from Oracle or third parties. Oracle shops use SQL*Plus scripts for batch updating, simple reports.

[edit] Compatibility

Other vendors have made their software somewhat compatible with SQL*Plus script commands or offer a SQL*Plus mode of operation. Products include TOAD from Quest and others.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• SQL*Plus
• SQL*Plus FAQ