Re: simple sql question.

From: Andy <andy.spaven_at_eps-hq.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 2002 12:11:15 -0000
Message-ID: <jKDM9.3242$9R.11034191@newsr2.u-net.net>

select * from tab is an SQL statement and you need to tell SQL*Plus that you've finished typing it - it could take up many lines of text. SQL*Plus cannot "know" when you've completed it unless you tell it with ; or / (on a newline)

DESC on the other hand is a SQL*Plus command that can only span one line so SQL*Plus "knows" when you've finished - it defines it's own syntax and so "knows" that one line is enough.

"Shravana Kumar" <kumar.shravana_at_blr.spcnl.co.in> wrote in message news:3E025D01.41FE8586_at_blr.spcnl.co.in...
> Hi All,
>
> we are using oracle 9.2.0 on sun solaris 8.
>
> SQL> select * from tab; ( get some results only if you end the
> statement with a semi colon )
>
> SQL> desc tab ( get results even if you don't end the statement with
> the semi colon )
>
> why?
>
> thanks,
>
> Best Regards,
> ShravanaKumar.
>
>
>
Received on Fri Dec 20 2002 - 06:11:15 CST