Q: Getting table/column info

I'm trying to write a little tool in perl that requires the ability to read all tables and then columns (and their info) in from a database (Oracle). I was given this SQL and it worked after the DBA changed something (permissions or something similar I'm guessing):

SQL> select table_name, column_name from user_tab_columns;

But I'm wondering if there is a "lower level" way of doing this. It seems that TOAD was able to gather the table/column info through it's GUI button activated features even when the previously mentioned SQL wasn't quite working. If anyone knows a way or can at least point me in a general direction, I'd be very grateful. Thanks.

Philip Parker

BTW, I'm in the early stages of writing a simple schema viewer in perl/Tk with some basic functionality. Couldn't find anything small and simple for developers who just wanted to see the structure and didn't need the large "over functional" products like Embarcadero's ER Studio. Now would be the perfect time for anyone to tell me of any existing works out there. Received on Wed Feb 09 2000 - 18:33:22 CST