Oracle Server Manager User's Guide
HOST
Purpose
Execute an operating system command without exiting line mode. The HOST command is not available in a SQL Worksheet.
Prerequisites
None.
Syntax
HOST command ::=
Usage Notes
This command is particularly useful for listing files that are currently of interest to the database administrator, or for editing files to be run while in line mode. Your operating system may also support additional symbols or characters to invoke operating system commands.
If you omit the operating system command and enter simply HOST, you temporarily exit line mode on the assumption you want to run multiple operating system commands.
Additional Information: To return to line mode after executing a HOST command, you must use an operating system-specific entry. Refer to your operating system-specific Oracle documentation for more information.
Example
For VMS:
HOST TYPE INIT.ORA
For UNIX:
HOST cat INIT.ORA