Re: Why is it so hard to find?

Bob Woodward wrote:

> This is getting REALLY frustrating!!! I have what should be a very simple
> question and I'm hitting brick walls everywhere I turn. Everyone's telling
> me to read the concepts information. The Oracle website won't let me
> register telling me my domain is invalid.

Question 1 - where did you get the Oracle software?

If you downloaded it, then use the same web sign-in to get to the docco. If it's licensed (eg: legal) software, then get the CDs you used to install & look for the one marked Documentation. If you 'borrowed' it from a 'friend', eliminate the 'friend' ('cause he really is no friend of yours) and steal his copy of the documentation CD

Question 2 - why not send a comment or a feedback to Oracle telling them of your frustration? (Instead of taking it out on us)

If you are using a real domain, then you should let Oracle know their site is messed up.

> I'm back to my very simple question. I've got 8i installed, I'm sitting at
> an sqlplus prompt and I want to know what
> files/tables/whatever.you.want.to.call.them are available. I'm not looking
> to find operating system files. I want to know things like CUSTOMERS,
> INVOICES, PET_NAMES, FAVORITE_COLORS, .... which I can then do a DESC
> CUSTOMERS to find out what kind of data is in it.

You are asking 'how do I use a knife?' while you are standing in a hospital operating room. What do you expect us to answer? We are telling you that to p[rovide an answer at the level you are asking is truly a mistake - you will not get any benefit, only further frustration.

Question 3 - Have you have tried lookng at a related FAQ?

Use your favorite search engine to do a web search for "Oracle FAQ". There are a few decent FAQ sites out there, almost all of which will answer your question.

>
> This CAN'T be such a tough question for someone to be able to answer. I
> keep wanting to try SELECT * FROM TABLES but, as I'm sure many of you want
> to tell me, is not valid.

Question 4 - Have you considered getting professional help?

There are a lot of Oracle classes available in many areas. Ask around.

Question 5 - Are you comfortable with technical books?

Try your local (computer-oriented) book store or library. There are literally hundreds of books around. There are many from O'Reilly, some superb ones from Wrox Press (which is unfortunately out of business ), some decent ones from Osborne and many from 'Oracle Press'.

>
>
> Please! A straight, direct answer of what the command is that's equivalent
> to "What's currently defined in this
> environment/system/account/'You.Are.Here'."

There are several DOZEN VIEWS that contain the information you are looking for. Start with the following

SELECT * FROM TAB;
SELECT * FROM ALL_VIEWS; Received on Thu Jul 17 2003 - 19:17:29 CDT