SQL*Plus® Release 8.

1
Features Overview
February 1999

PRODUCT SUMMARY

SQL*Plus, the primary interface to Oracle8i™ provides a powerful yet easy-to-use environment
for querying, defining, and controlling data. SQL*Plus delivers a full implementation of Oracle
SQL and PL/SQL™, along with a rich set of extensions. The exceptional scalability of the
Oracle8i server, coupled with the object-relational technology of SQL*Plus, makes it possible to
develop complex datatypes and objects using Oracle’s integrated systems solution.

SQL*PLUS — MORE THAN SQL

With each release, Oracle Advanced Replication keeps getting faster, and Oracle8i is no
exception. Several enhancements have been made which significantly improve the performance
of both deferred transaction propagation as well as snapshot refresh.

SQL*Plus provides a flexible interface to Oracle8i, allowing users to manipulate SQL commands
and PL/SQL blocks. With SQL*Plus, users can easily start up and shut down the database, create
and call Java types and resources, create ad hoc queries, retrieve and format data, and manage the
database.

DIRECT ACCESS TO ORACLE8i

With SQL*Plus, users can work directly with Oracle8i to easily and efficiently perform a variety
of database maintenance tasks and create new user-defined object types, such as Java types.
SQL*Plus also manages the storage and manipulation of Oracle8i large objects.
POWERFUL DATA RETRIEVAL

The easy syntax of SQL*Plus gives users fast access to their data. Users can retrieve data,
perform calculations, and create ad hoc reports. Users can also write, and optionally store,
powerful queries to retrieve data from complex relationships and object types.

RICH CUSTOM FORMATTING

The custom formatting features of SQL*Plus lets users turn query results into precisely formatted
custom reports, using formatting commands to create titles, headers, column headings, column
separators, display formats, summaries, multiline fields, and many other format options.

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February 1999
DYNAMIC SQL–BASED QUERIES

SQL*Plus makes it possible to dynamically change sections of a query at runtime, prompting the
user for any undefined variables. Users can also execute scripts stored in command files or in
batch.

COMPLETE SESSION CONTROL

SQL*Plus sessions give users flexibility: allowing them to execute commands of the host
operating system, use the system editor—even connect to another database. SQL*Plus also
provides easily accessible online help, and Oracle’s National Language Support supports
messages and data in many languages.

In addition, SQL*Plus ensures database security by allowing users to restrict access on a

command or role-basis.

THE POWER OF PROCEDURAL LOGIC

SQL*Plus supports Oracle’s PL/SQL procedural extension to SQL. It is possible to add

procedural logic by integrating PL/SQL blocks with SQL statements, and execute PL/SQL stored
procedures. By coupling SQL*Plus with PL/SQL, users get all the functionality of a
programming language.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

SQL*Plus is available on a wide range of platforms and can connect to Oracle8i, Oracle Lite, and
to remote databases using Oracle’s Transparent Gateways products.

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February 1999
KEY SQL*PLUS FEATURES Database Access

• Copy data from one database to another

Database Administration Functions • Copy data between tables

• Describe database object definitions:
• Start up or shut down the database
− Tables
• Perform database recovery
• Archive redo log files − Types
• Connect to the database with full
system privileges − Synonyms

− Views
Format Query Results
− Functions
• Customize column headings
− Packages
• Create multiline headings
• Specify number and date format masks − Procedures
for data
• Perform timing audits
• Specify default date format
• Specify array fetches
• Compute and print summaries
• Display number of records retrieved
• Customize labels for print summaries
• Retrieve large objects in manageable pieces
• Suppress duplicate values
• Run scripts created in Oracle8 or Oracle8i
• Skip lines on break
• Access SQL features introduced with
• Break on line or page Oracle8i
• Wrap fields onto multiple lines • Access Oracle8i datatypes and user defined
• Set separator text printed between columns object types
• Create and align page headers and footers • Define object type methods in PL/SQL,
including object views and INSTEAD
• Set page dimensions OF triggers
• Print page or line number
• Set alignment for terminals which display
Interactive Commands
shift character sets
• Define the starting position from which • Define and undefine variables in
large object data is displayed command files
• Customize the characteristics of object • Pass parameters to command files
attributes

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February 1999
Session Control Integration with PL/SQL

• Execute host operating system commands
• Connect to another database
• Monitor performance of command files
• Monitor execution statistics of SQL DML
statements
• Tune SQL statements
• Load, edit, and save files
• Use the system editor to create and edit host
system files
• Define output device
• Integrate queries with PL/SQL blocks
• Edit PL/SQL blocks
• Execute PL/SQL stored procedures
• Output and format query data from stored
procedures
• Display PL/SQL procedure and package
compilation errors
• Set and print bind variables
• Format data from PL/SQL REF
CURSOR variables

• Commit data automatically

• Customize configuration at system or
Powerful Error Handling
user level
• Modify lines in the buffer generating
• Disable commands and roles to restrict Oracle errors
database access
• Retrieve Oracle error number and text
• Save SQL*Plus environment attributes
• Conditionally exit on Oracle error or
• Access online help text operating system error
• Access data and error messages in
many languages
• Change password or prompt for new
password on expired accounts

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February 1999
Oracle Corporation
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Redwood Shores, CA 94065
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Worldwide Inquiries:
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Copyright © Oracle Corporation 1999

All Rights Reserved

This document is provided for informational purposes only, and

the information herein is subject to change without notice.
Please report any errors herein to Oracle Corporation. Oracle
Corporation does not provide any warranties covering and
specifically disclaims any liability in connection with this
document.

Oracle and SQL*Plus are registered trademarks, and Oracle8i,

PL/SQL, and Oracle8 are trademarks of Oracle Corporation.

All other company and product names mentioned are used for
identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective owners.