SQL Plus is the most basic Oracle Database utility, with a basic command-line interface, commonly used by users, administrators, and programmers.

Command types

SQL Plus understands five categories of text: Scripts can include all of these components. An Oracle programmer in the appropriately configured software environment can launch SQL Plus, for example, by entering: $ sqlplus scott/tiger where the Oracle user has the password. SQL Plus then presents a prompt with the default form of: SQL> Interactive use can then start by entering a SQL statement (terminated by a semicolon), a PL/SQL block, or another command. For example:

History

The first version of SQL Plus was called UFI ("User Friendly Interface"). UFI appeared in Oracle database releases up to Version 4. After Oracle programmers had added new features to UFI, its name became Advanced UFI. The name "Advanced UFI" changed to "SQL Plus" with the release of the version 5 of Oracle.

Usage

Graphical interfaces from Oracle or third parties have diminished the proportion of Oracle database end-users who depend on the SQL Plus environment. Oracle shops typically continue to use SQL Plus scripts for batch updating or simple reports. Oracle Corporation's wrappers/gui-fications/replacements for SQL Plus include:

Oracle 11g

Starting from Oracle database 11g, iSqlplus (web based) and sqlplus GUI no longer ship with Oracle database software. The command-line SQL Plus interface continues in use, mostly for non-interactive scripting or for administrative purposes. The Server Manager Command Line a replacement of SQL*DBA is obsolete and SQL Plus 8i and later allows the user to issue statements like STARTUP and SHUTDOWN when connected as SYSDBA. Server Manager 7.1 introduced the command CONNECT / AS SYSDBA to replace CONNECT INTERNAL. SQL Plus 8i and later allows the use of CONNECT / AS SYSDBA

Compatibility

Other vendors have made their software somewhat compatible with SQL Plus script commands or offer a SQL Plus mode of operation. Relevant products include TOAD from Quest Software.

Integration

Variables

SQL Plus-internal variables, accessible within an SQL Plus session, include:

Error trapping

The command specifies an action to perform in the event of the system detecting an SQL error or an operating-system error while running a subsequent SQL Plus command.

Installation and configuration

SQL*Plus needs to be installed and configured on the machine where you intend to use it. This usually involves setting up Oracle client software and configuring network connections to Oracle databases.

Supplementary software