SQL*Plus User's Guide and Reference
Getting Started
To begin using SQL*Plus, you must first become familiar with the functions of several keys on your keyboard and understand how to start and leave SQL*Plus.
Using the Keyboard
Several keys on your keyboard have special meaning in SQL*Plus. Table 2 - 1 lists these keys.
See your Oracle installation and user's manual(s) for your operating system to learn which physical key performs each function on the keyboard commonly used with your host computer.
Note: A SQL*Plus key may perform different functions when pressed in other products or the operating system.
Fill in each blank in Table 2 - 1 with the name of the corresponding keyboard key. Then locate each key on your keyboard.
| SQL*Plus
Key Name
| Keyboard Key Name
| Function
|
| [Return]
| ___________
| End a line of input.
|
| [Backspace]
|
___________
| Move cursor left one character to correct an error.
|
| [Pause]
|
___________
| Suspend program operation and display of output.
|
| [Resume]
|
___________
| Resume program operation and output [Pause].
|
| [Cancel]
|
___________
| Halt program operation; return to the SQL*Plus command prompt.
|
| [Interrupt]
|
___________
| Exit SQL*Plus and return to the host operating system.
|
| Table 2 - 1. SQL*Plus Special Keys and their Functions
|
|
|
Starting SQL*Plus
Now that you have identified important keys on your keyboard, you are ready to start SQL*Plus.
Example 2-1
Starting SQL*Plus
This example shows you how to start SQL*Plus. Follow the steps shown.
1. Make sure that Oracle has been installed on your computer.
2. Turn on your computer (if it is off) and log on to the host operating system (if required). If you are already using your computer, you need not log off or reset it. Simply exit from the program you are using (if any).
Note: Some operating systems expect you to enter commands in lowercase letters. If your system expects lowercase, enter the SQLPLUS command in lowercase.
SQL*Plus displays its version number, the date, and copyright information, and prompts you for your username (the text displayed on your system may differ slightly):
SQL*Plus: Version 3.3 - on Fri June 30 09:39:26 1995
Copyright (c) Oracle Corporation 1979, 1994, 1995. All rights reserved.
The command prompt indicates that SQL*Plus is ready to accept your commands.
If SQL*Plus does not start, you should see a message meant to help you correct the problem. For further information, refer to the Oracle7 Server Messages and Codes manual for Oracle messages, or to your operating system manual for system messages.
Shortcuts to Starting SQL*Plus
When you start SQL*Plus, you can enter your username and password, separated by a slash (/), following the command SQLPLUS. For example, if your username is SCOTT and your password is TIGER, you can enter
$ SQLPLUS SCOTT/TIGER
and press [Return]. You can also arrange to log in to SQL*Plus automatically when you log on to your host operating system. See the Oracle installation and user's manual(s) provided for your operating system for details.
Leaving SQL*Plus
When you are done working with SQL*Plus and wish to return to the operating system, enter the EXIT command at the SQL*Plus command prompt.
Example 2-2
Exiting SQL*Plus
To leave SQL*Plus, enter the EXIT command at the SQL*Plus command prompt:
SQL> EXIT
SQL*Plus displays the version of Oracle from which you disconnected and the versions of tools available through SQL*Plus. After a moment you will see the operating system prompt.
Before continuing with this chapter, follow steps 3, 4, and 5 of Example 2-1 to start SQL*Plus again. Alternatively, log in using the shortcut shown under "Shortcuts to Starting SQL*Plus" above.