DBA Command Reference

This appendix describes the Server Manager DBA commands available in line mode.
These commands can also be used in a SQL Worksheet, although some of these
commands behave differently when used in a worksheet.

DBA Commands
The DBA commands described in this appendix are:

 @ (at symbol)
 ARCHIVE LOG
 CONNECT
 DESCRIBE
 DISCONNECT
 EXECUTE
 EXIT
 PRINT
 RECOVER
 REMARK
 SET
 SHOW
 SHUTDOWN
 SPOOL
 STARTUP
 VARIABLE
Note:

If a reserved word is used as an object name in a DBA command, it must be enclosed

in quotes. For example, to start up a database that is named with the reserved word
V7, issue the command as follows:
STARTUP OPEN 'V7'

@ (at symbol)
Purpose

Run scripts containing SQL, PL/SQL, and DBA commands.

Prerequisites

You must have previously created the script and stored it as an operating system file.
Syntax

@ command ::=

where:
scriptname

The name of an operating system file that contains a script of statements recognized
by Server Manager.
Line Mode Behavior

If you omit the scriptname argument, you for are prompted for the script name.
Usage Notes

This command enables you to run scripts of statements. To insert Comments in the
script, use the REMARK command described in REMARK on page -17 . To spool the
output, use the SPOOL command before running or within the script. The SPOOL
command is described in SPOOL on page -30.

Do not use the @ command alone within a script unless you specify the full path
name of the script.

To run other scripts from within a script, you can use the @@ command. In the
original script include the line @@second_scriptname to run another script
called second_scriptname. The @@ command indicates that the second script is in the
same directory as the original script.

Additional Information: For information about the standard file selection dialog box
for your system, see your operating system-specific documentation.

ARCHIVE LOG
Purpose
Start or stop automatic archiving of online redo log files, manually (explicitly) archive
specified redo log files, or display information about redo log files.
Note:

This command applies only to the current instance. To specify archiving for a
different instance or for all instances in a Parallel Server, use the SQL command
ALTER SYSTEM.
Prerequisites

You must be connected to an open Oracle database as INTERNAL, SYSOPER, or

SYSDBA.
Syntax

ARCHIVE LOG command ::=

where:
LIST

Requests a display that shows the range of redo log files to be archived, the current
log file group's sequence number, and the current archive destination (specified by
either the optional command text or by the initialization parameter
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST).
If you are using both ARCHIVELOG mode and automatic archiving, the display
might appear like:
Database log mode Archive Mode
Automatic archival Enabled
Archive destination DISK9:ARCH
Oldest online log sequence 30
Next log sequence to archive 33
Current log sequence 33

Because the log sequence number of the current log group and the next log group to
archive are the same, automatic archival has archived all log groups up to the current
one.
If you are using ARCHIVELOG but have disabled automatic archiving, the last three
lines might look like:
Oldest online log sequence 30
Next log sequence to archive 30
Current log sequence 33

If you are using NOARCHIVELOG mode, the "next log sequence to archive" line is
suppressed.

The log sequence increments every time LGWR begins to write to another redo log
file group; it does not indicate the number of logs being used. Every time an online
redo log file group is reused, the contents are assigned a new log sequence number.
STOP

Disables automatic archival. If the instance is still in ARCHIVELOG mode and all
redo log file groups fill, database operation is suspended until a redo log file is
archived (for example, until you enter the command ARCHIVE LOG NEXT or
ARCHIVE LOG ALL).
START

Enables automatic archiving. Starts the background process ARCH, which performs
automatic archiving as required. If ARCH is started and a filename is supplied, the
filename becomes the new default archive destination.

ARCH automatically starts on instance startup if the initialization parameter

LOG_ARCHIVE_START is set to TRUE.
NEXT

Manually archives the next online redo log file group that has been filled but not yet
archived.
ALL

Manually archives all filled, but not yet archived, online log file groups.
integer

Causes archival of the online redo log file group with log sequence number n. You
can specify any redo log file group that is still online. An error occurs if the log file
cannot be found online or the sequence number is not valid. This option can be used
to re-archive a log file group.
`destination'

Specifies the destination device or directory in an operating system. Specification of

archive destination devices is installation-specific; see your platform-specific Oracle
documentation for examples of specifying archive destinations. On many operating
systems, multiple log files can be spooled to the same tape.

If not specified in the command line, the archive destination is derived from the
initialization parameter LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST. The command ARCHIVE LOG
START 'destination' causes the specified device or directory to become the new
default archive destination for all future automatic or manual archives. A destination
specified with any other option is a temporary destination that is in effect only for the
current (manual) archive. It does not change the default archive destination for
subsequent automatic archives.

Additional Information: For information about specifying archive destinations, see

your platform-specific Oracle documentation.
Usage Notes

If an online redo log file group fills and none are available for reuse, database
operation is suspended. The condition can be resolved by archiving a log file group.
Examples

ARCHIVE LOG START

Starts up the archiver process and begins automatic archiving, using the archive
destination specified in LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST.
ARCHIVE LOG STOP

Stops automatic archiving.

ARCHIVE LOG 1001 'DISK9:[TEMPARCH]TEMP'

Archives the log file group with the sequence number 1001 to the destination
specified. 'TEMP' specifies the prefix of the filename on the destination device; the
remainder of the filename is dependent on the initialization parameter
LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT, which specifies the filename format for archived redo
log files.

CONNECT
Purpose

Connect to a database using the specified username.

Prerequisites

Only valid username/password combinations can successfully connect. The AS clause

allows users to connect to an instance with a default schema of SYS for database
administration. Users connecting as SYSOPER or SYSDBA must have the necessary
privileges to access the SYS schema.
Syntax

CONNECT command ::=

where:
username

Any valid Oracle username for the current database. It can be a null string. If neither
username nor INTERNAL is specified, you are prompted for a username and
password.
password

The password corresponding to the specified username. Password can be a null string.
instance-path

A valid specification for an instance/database combination. If an instance is specified,

it becomes the current instance for the duration of the connection. It does not become
the default instance for subsequent connections.
SYSOPER/SYSDBA

The AS clause allows privileged connections by users who have been granted
SYSOPER or SYSDBA system privileges, if using a password file, or their operating
system equivalents, if using OS authentication.
/
Uses operating system authentication.
INTERNAL

Connects as username SYS via keyword INTERNAL. Should be used rarely and only
by the DBA for certain maintenance purposes; requires operating system privileges.
CONNECT INTERNAL is supported for backwards compatibility only.
Line Mode Behavior

If you omit the password, you are prompted for one. If you omit both
the username and password, you are prompted for both.
SQL Worksheet Behavior

If you omit the username argument, the Connect dialog box displays.
Usage Notes

If only the Oracle username is specified, the password is requested using the prompt
"Password:". The entered password is not echoed.

CONNECT can be used without a DISCONNECT to connect to another username.

The connect is always accompanied by the opening of a cursor.

You can specify an instance path for a remote instance when connecting. If you
attempt a connection to a remote instance, authentication occurs on the remote node,
so you must have the appropriate privileges on the remote node.

Non-Secure ConnectionConnecting as SYSOPER or SYSDBA over a

To connect to Oracle as a privileged user over a non-secure connection, you must

satisfy the following conditions:

 The server to which you are connecting must have a password file.
 You must be granted the SYSOPER or SYSDBA system privilege.
 You must connect using a username and password.

For information about creating a password file, see the Oracle7 Server Concepts and
the Oracle7 Server Administrator's Guide, or Secure ConnectionConnecting as
SYSOPER or SYSDBA over a Local
To connect to Oracle as a privileged user over a local or a secure connection, you
must satisfy either of the following sets of conditions:

 You can connect using a password file, provided you meet the criteria outlined
above.
 If the server is not using a password file, or you have not been granted
SYSOPER or SYSDBA and are therefore not in the password file, your
operating system name must be authenticated by the operating system for a
privileged connection. This form of authentication is system-specific.

Additional Information: For information about operating system authentication, see

your operating system-specific Oracle documentation.
Examples

To connect to an instance on the current default node, enter:

CONNECT

To connect to an instance on the current node as username SCOTT with password

TIGER, enter:
CONNECT scott/tiger

To use a password file to connect to an instance on the current node as a privileged

user named SCOTT with password TIGER, enter:
CONNECT scott/tiger AS SYSDBA

Note that your default schema is now SYS, not SCOTT.

To perform the same connection using OS authentication, enter:

CONNECT / AS SYSDBA

To connect to an instance on a different node as username SCOTT with password

TIGER, enter:
CONNECT scott/tiger@instance-path

Connecting as INTERNAL

Using Server Manager you can connect as INTERNAL to a release 7.0 database.
CONNECT INTERNAL is supported for backwards compatibility only. For
information on how to use CONNECT INTERNAL, refer to your Oracle7 Server
Administrator's Guide.

DESCRIBE
Purpose

Describe a function, package, package body, procedure, table, or view.

Prerequisites

You must be currently connected to a database.

Syntax

DESCRIBE command ::=

where:
name

The name of the object to describe.

Usage Notes

If you do not specify an object type, Server Manager attempts to determine the object
type. For the statement
DESCRIBE emp

Server Manager describes the table or view if a table or view with the name EMP
exists. If no table or view with that name exists in the user's schema, Server Manager
will search for a PL/SQL function, procedure, or package with that name and describe
it.

The shorthand DESC is now equivalent to the command DESCRIBE. This means that
DESC has been added to the list of Server Manager reserved words. If you have a
database object named DESC, you need to place quotes around the name to show that
it is an object name. For example:
INSERT INTO 'DESC' VALUES('onetwothree', 123); )

Note:

Some versions of PL/SQL allow the user to describe a package by giving the package
name, and some versions require the user to specify an object in the package to
describe. Server Manager supports package description for those versions of PL/SQL
which support this functionality.
Example

A command like
DESCRIBE scott.addemp

produces output similar to the following example:

PROCEDURE SCOTT.ADDEMP (EMPNO INTEGER, ENAME VARCHAR2, SAL NUMBER(9,2))

The use of the object type is no longer required. If you do not specify an object type,
Server Manager attempts to determine the object type. For the statement
DESCRIBE emp

Server Manager describes the table or view if a table or view with the name EMP
exists.

If no table or view with that name exists in the user's schema, Server Manager
searches for a PL/SQL function, procedure, or package with that name and describes
it. For the statement
DESCRIBE payroll.emp

Server Manager looks for a table or view in schema PAYROLL with the name EMP.

If there is no PAYROLL schema or no EMP table/view in the PAYROLL schema,

Server Manager will search the current schema for a package PAYROLL containing a
function or procedure EMP.

If both a table EMP in schema PAYROLL and a package PAYROLL with

function/procedure EMP in the current schema exist, the statement
DESCRIBE FUNCTION payroll.emp

This allows you to specify the type of the object you want to describe.
Server Manager now has the capability to describe both functions and procedures
contained in packages. Previously only functions and procedures not contained in
packages could be described.
Note:

Some versions of PL/SQL allow the user to describe a package by giving the package
name, and some versions require the user to specify an object in the package to
describe. Server Manager supports package description for those versions of PL/SQL
which support this functionality.

DISCONNECT
Purpose

Disconnect from an Oracle server.

Prerequisites

You must be currently connected to a database.

Syntax

DISCONNECT command ::=

Usage Notes

Upon disconnection, line mode reverts to the current default host machine after
closing all open cursors and committing any uncommitted transactions.
Example

DISCONNECT

EXECUTE
Purpose

Executes a one-line PL/SQL statement.

Prerequisites
You must be currently connected to a database. You must also have privileges to use
any stored procedures, packages, package variables, and functions referenced with
this command.
Syntax

EXECUTE command ::=

Usage Notes

You can execute only one line of PL/SQL code with the EXECUTE command. If you
wish to execute a PL/SQL block with many lines, you must use the format:
BEGIN
[PL/SQL BLOCK]
END;

You can reference any command line mode bind variables in PL/SQL statements by
preceding the variable name with a colon. The example below illustrates the use of
bind variables with the VARIABLE, EXECUTE, and PRINT commands.
Example

VARIABLE balance NUMBER

EXECUTE :balance := get_balance(34056)
PRINT balance
BALANCE
----------
4678.24

EXIT
Purpose

Exits Server Manager line mode or closes a SQL Worksheet.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

EXIT command ::=

Line Mode Behavior

The EXIT command leaves line mode unconditionally, commits the current
transaction, and returns to the operating system prompt.
SQL Worksheet Behavior

The EXIT command commits the current transaction and closes the worksheet.
Example

EXIT

PRINT
Purpose

Print the value of a variable defined with the VARIABLE command.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

PRINT command ::=

where:
variable

The name of a variable defined by the VARIABLE command.

Usage Notes

Bind variables referenced with the print command do not need to be preceded by a
colon. You can use the PRINT command to display variables defined only in the
current line mode session. The SET CHARWIDTH and SET NUMWIDTH
commands can affect the display of the PRINT command.

If no variable name is specified all currently defined variables are printed.

Examples

PRINT balance
BALANCE
----------
4687.24

SET CHARWIDTH 10
PRINT ename
ENAME
----------
SCOTT

RECOVER
Purpose

Performs media recovery on one or more tablespaces, one or more datafiles, or the
entire database.
Prerequisites

You must be connected to the Oracle server as INTERNAL, SYSOPER, or SYSDBA.

You cannot use the RECOVER command when connected via the multi-threaded
server.
Syntax

RECOVER command ::=

UNTIL clause ::=

PARALLEL clause ::=

where:
DATABASE

Specifies recovering the entire database.

USING BACKUP CONTROL FILE

Specifies that a backup of the control file is being used instead of the current control
file.
TABLESPACE tablespace

Specifies recovering a particular tablespace. Tablespace is the name of a tablespace in

the current database. You may recover up to 16 tablespaces in one statement.
DATAFILE filename

Specifies recovering a particular datafile. You can specify any number of datafiles.
UNTIL CANCEL

Specifies an incomplete, cancel-based recovery. Recovery proceeds by prompting you

with the suggested filenames of archived redo log files, and recovery completes when
you specify CANCEL instead of a filename.
UNTIL CHANGE integer

Specifies an incomplete, change-based recovery. The integer is the number of the

SCN following the last change to which you wish to recover. For example, if you
want to restore your database up to the transaction with an SCN of 9, you would
specify UNTIL CHANGE 10.
UNTIL TIME date

Specifies an incomplete, time-based recovery. Use single quotes, and use the
following format:
'YYYY-MM-DD:HH24:MI:SS'.
PARALLEL

DEGREE specifies the number of recovery processes used to apply redo entries to
datafiles on each instance. An integer specified for DEGREE overrides the
initialization parameter RECOVERY_PARALLELISM.
DEGREE DEFAULT indicates that twice the number of datafiles being recovered is
the number of recovery processes to use.
INSTANCES specifies the number of instances to use for parallel recovery. The
number of recovery processes specified with DEGREE is used on each instance, thus
the total number of recovery processes is the integer specified with DEGREE
multiplied by the integer specified with INSTANCES. INSTANCES is only pertinent
for the Oracle Parallel Server.
INSTANCES DEFAULT or not including the INSTANCES keyword causes has
operating system-specific consequences. Consult your Oracle operating system
documentation for a description of the default behavior of the INSTANCES
DEFAULT specification.
NOPARALLEL

Specifies that recovery is to proceed serially. Note that a specification of

PARALLEL(DEGREE 1 INSTANCES 1) is equivalent to specifying the
NOPARALLEL keyword.

The PARALLEL keyword overrides the RECOVERY_PARALLELISM initialization

parameter. The number specified with the PARALLEL keyword is the number of
recovery processes used to apply redo entries to datafiles.
SQL Worksheet Behavior

In a SQL Worksheet, if you issue the RECOVER command without arguments,

Server Manager brings up the Recover dialog box.
Usage Notes

To perform media recovery on an entire database (all tablespaces), the database must
be mounted EXCLUSIVE and closed.

To perform media recovery on a tablespace, the database must be mounted and open,
and the tablespace must be offline.

To perform media recovery on a datafile, the database can remain open and mounted
with the damaged datafiles offline (unless the file is part of the SYSTEM tablespace).

Before using the RECOVER command you must have restored good copies of the
damaged datafile(s) from a previous backup. Be sure you can access all archived and
online redo log files dating back to when that backup was made.

When another log file is required during recovery, a prompt suggests the names of
files that are needed. The name is derived from the values specified in the
initialization parameters LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST and LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT.
You should restore copies of the archived redo log files needed for recovery to the
destination specified in LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST, if necessary. You can override the
initialization parameters by setting the LOGSOURCE variable.

During recovery you can accept the suggested log name by hitting return, cancel
recovery by entering CANCEL instead of a log name, or enter AUTO for automatic
file selection without further prompting.

If you have enabled autorecovery (that is, SET AUTORECOVERY ON), recovery
proceeds without prompting you with filenames. Status messages are displayed when
each log file is applied.

When normal media recovery is done, a completion status is returned.

For more information on recovery and the RECOVER command, see the Oracle7
Server Administrator's Guide.
Examples

RECOVER DATABASE
RECOVER DATABASE UNTIL TIME 30-AUG-90:04:32:00
RECOVER TABLESPACE ts_one, ts_two
RECOVER DATAFILE 'data1.db'

REMARK
Purpose

Enter a Comment, typically in SQL script files.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

REMARK command ::=

Usage Notes

Primarily for batch use of line mode. The Comment is ignored by line mode and by
Oracle. REMARK can be shortened to REM.
REM must be the first non-blank character string in the line.
Examples

Examples of valid Comments embedded in a SQL file follow:

REM This command file is used to create a
REM database. Edit it to fill in file names
REM and sizes, and invoke it from line mode.
REM
REM
CREATE DATABASE dbname ....
/* This is a SQL Comment */ ...
...
;

REMARKs are recognized by SQL*Plus, as well as by line mode. They are used to
put Comments between SQL statements, while SQL Comments (/*...*/) are used to
place comments within statements.

SET
Purpose

Set or change characteristics of the current command line mode session.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

SET command ::=

See next page for sytax diagram.

where:
APPINFO

Registers the Server Manager application through the database's

DBMS_APPLICATION_INFO package (Oracle 7.2 or later). By default, the
APPINFO function is set to OFF.
Application registration allows DBAs to see what software is currently running to
better monitor resource utilization for database tuning. When APPINFO is turned on,
application registration proceeds normally. If a SQL script is not being run, the default
registration text string is "Oracle SQL Worksheet." Optionally, you can create a
customized registration text string. If a script is being run through Server manager, the
script name is used as the registration text string.
Text String Registers as:

SET APPINFO abc abc

SET APPINFO abc def abc
SET APPINFO "abc def" abc def
SET APPINFO 'abc def' abc def
SET APPINFO "abc def Error
SET APPINFO 'abc def Error
AUTO- RECOVERY
Specifying ON causes the RECOVER command to automatically apply the default
filenames of archived redo log files needed during recovery. No interaction is needed
when AUTORECOVERY is set to ON, provided the necessary files are in the
expected locations with the expected names. The filenames used when
AUTORECOVERY is ON are derived from the values of the initialization parameters
LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST and LOG_ARCHIVE_FORMAT.

OFF, the default option, requires that you enter the filenames manually or accept the
suggested default filename given.
CHARWIDTH integer

Sets the column display width for CHAR data. If entered with no argument, returns
the setting to the default. The default is 80; the range of values is operating system-
specific.
COMPATIBILITY

Sets compatibility mode to V6, V7, or NATIVE. The compatibility mode setting
affects the specification of character columns, integrity constraints, and rollback
segment storage parameters. NATIVE matches the version of the database.

CHAR Columns: When creating tables in Version 6 compatibility mode, CHAR

columns are variable length. In Oracle7, such column definitions are fixed length.

Integrity Constraints: In Version 6 compatibility mode, the Version 6 syntax is still

recognized, and the Oracle7 syntax is disabled. For V6 mode, table constraints on
CREATE TABLE statements are specified with V6 syntax:

CREATE TABLE {UNIQUE | PRIMARY KEY} CONSTRAINT ....

and specified constraints are disabled by default. For V7 mode, table constraints are
specified with Oracle7 syntax:

CREATE TABLE CONSTRAINT .... {UNIQUE | PRIMARY KEY}

and they are enabled.

Rollback Segment Parameters: Version 6 compatibility mode allows

PCTINCREASE and MAXEXTENTS to be specified for rollback segments, as well
as for other segments. Although the specifications are ignored, the syntax is allowed.
(Use of these parameters is not recommended. They exist only for backward
compatibility.)
Bind Variables: Bind variables of type VARCHAR2 are given type CHAR in
Version 6 compatibility mode.
DATEWIDTH integer

Sets the column display width for DATE data. If entered with no argument, the setting
returns to the default. The default is 9; the range of values is operating system-
specific.
ECHO

ON enables echoing of commands entered from command files. OFF, the default,
disables echoing of commands.
FETCHROWS integer

Limits the number of rows returned by a query. Useful with ordered queries for
finding the "top ten" items in a category, for example. Also used with unordered
queries to find the "first n" records that satisfy a given criteria. integer must be in the
range 1-999,999.

In a SQL Worksheet the default is ECHO ON.

INSTANCE instance-path

Changes the default instance for your session to the specified instance path. Does not
connect to a database. The default instance is used for commands when no instance is
specified.

Any commands preceding the first use of SET INSTANCE communicate with the
default instance.

To reset the instance to the default value for your operating system, you can either
enter SET INSTANCE with no instance-name or SET INSTANCE LOCAL. See your
operating system-specific Oracle documentation for a description of how to set the
initial default instance.

This command may only be issued when SQL*Net is running. You can use any valid
SQL*Net connect string as the specified instance path. See your operating system-
specific Oracle documentation for a complete description of how your operating
system specifies SQL*Net connect strings. The maximum length of the instance path
is 64 characters.
LOGSOURCE pathname
Specifies the location from which archive logs are retrieved during recovery. The
default value is set by the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST initialization parameter. Issuing
the SET LOGSOURCE command without a pathname restores the default location.
LONGWIDTH integer

Sets the column display width for LONG data. If entered with no argument, the
setting returns to the default. The default is 80; the range of values is operating
system-specific.
MAXDATA integer

Sets the maximum data size. Indicates the maximum data that can be received in a
single fetch during a SELECT statement. The default is 20480 bytes (20K). The
maximum is operating system-specific.
NUMWIDTH integer

Sets the column display width for NUMBER data. If entered with no argument, the
setting returns to the default. The default is 10; the range of values is operating
system-specific.
RETRIES
integer | INFINITE

Sets the number of tries that are attempted when the RETRY option is used with the
STARTUP command (see STARTUP on page -31 ). INFINITE, the default, specifies
an infinite number of retries.
SERVEROUTPUT

ON enables debugging output from stored procedures that use DBMS_OUTPUT PUT
and PUT_LINE commands. OFF disables output.

You can specify the size in bytes of the message buffer using the syntax SIZE n. That
is the total number of bytes of all messages sent that can be accumulated at one time.
The minimum is 2,000 bytes. If the buffer fills before calls to the get-message routines
make room for additional message bytes, an error is returned to the message-sending
program.
STOPONERROR

Specifying ON indicates that if a command file is running and an error occurs,

execution should terminate. OFF disables STOPONERROR.
TERMOUT

ON, the default, enables terminal output for SQL commands. OFF disables terminal
output. Useful for preventing output to terminal when spooling output to files. Note
that nothing appears on the terminal until SET TERMOUT ON is used.
TIMING

ON displays parse, execute, and fetch times (CPU and elapsed) for each SQL
statement executed. OFF, the default, does not display timing information.
Examples

SET INSTANCE D:DEV-PROD

SET TIMING ON
SET LONGWIDTH 132
SET NUMWIDTH 20
SET CHARWIDTH 5

Either of the following commands can be used to revert to the initial default host:
SET INSTANCE
SET INSTANCE LOCAL

SHOW
Purpose

Show settings currently in effect.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

SHOW command ::=

where:
ALL

Shows all settings except for ERRORS, PARAMETERS, and SGA.

APPINFO

Shows the current status (ON/OFF) and the application registration text.
CHARWIDTH

Shows the column display width for CHAR data.

COMPATIBILITY

Shows the sessions compatibility mode: V6, V7, or NATIVE.

DATEWIDTH

Shows the column display width for DATE data.

ECHO

Shows whether or not commands from command files are echoed.

ERRORS
Shows the errors generated from the last compilation of a procedure, package, or
function, if any. This option displays the line number, column number, and the error
message generated. Use the SHOW ERRORS command if line mode error 72 or 73 is
returned after compiling a package.

The SET CHARWIDTH command can be used to expand or truncate the display from
the SHOW ERRORS command.
FETCHROWS

Shows the numerical limit set for the number of rows returned by a query.
INSTANCE

Shows the connect string for the default instance. SHOW INSTANCE returns the
value LOCAL if you have not used SET INSTANCE or if you have used the LOCAL
option of the SET INSTANCE command.
LOGSOURCE

Shows the current setting for archive log location. Displays DEFAULT if the default
setting is in effect, as specified by the LOG_ARCHIVE_DEST initialization
parameter.
LONGWIDTH

Shows the column display width for LONG data.

MAXDATA

Shows the maximum data size.

NUMWIDTH

Shows column display width for NUMBER data.

PARAMETERS

Displays the current values for one or more initialization parameters. You can use a
string after the command to see a subset of parameters whose names include that
string. For example, if you enter:
SHOW PARAMETERS COUNT

you would see:

 NAME TYPE VALUE
------------------- ------- -----
db_file_multiblock_read_count integer 12
spin_count integer 0

The SHOW PARAMETERS command, without any string following the command,
displays all initialization parameters.
RETRIES

Displays the number of retries that will be attempted when restarting an instance in
parallel mode. (See RETRY on page -34 . It is an option in "STARTUP". )
SERVEROUTPUT

Displays ON if output from stored procedures and functions is enabled. Otherwise,

displays OFF. SERVEROUTPUT is reset to OFF if you issue a CONNECT
command.
SGA

Displays information about the current instance's System Global Area.

SPOOL

If spooling is enabled, displays the name of the output spool file. Otherwise, displays
OFF.
STOPONERROR

Displays whether or not errors encountered during execution of command files should
stop execution of the file.
TERMOUT

Shows if output to the terminal is enabled.

TIMING

Shows whether or not the parse, execute, and fetch times (CPU and elapsed) for each
SQL statement executed are shown.
Usage Notes

SHOW with no arguments is the same as SHOW ALL.

Examples

SHOW TIMING

returns a display such as:

Timing OFF

SHOW ALL

returns a display like:

Instance local
Spool OFF
Timing OFF
Termout ON
Echo OFF
Stoponerror OFF
Autorecovery OFF
Logsource <default>
Maxdata 20480
Numwidth 10
Charwidth 80
Longwidth 80
Datewidth 9
Labwidth 32
Compatibility NATIVE
Retries infinite
Server Output OFF

SHOW SGA

returns a display like:

Total Shared Global Area 4612820 bytes
Fixed Size 36376 bytes
Variable Size 4445372 bytes
Database Buffers 122880 bytes
Redo Buffers 8192 bytes

SHOW ERRORS PACKAGE BODY name

returns a display like:

ERRORS FOR PACKAGE BODY name:
LINE/COL ERRORS
---------------------------------------------------------------
...

SHUTDOWN
Purpose

Shut down a currently running Oracle instance, optionally closing and dismounting a
database.
Prerequisites

You must be connected to a database as INTERNAL, SYSOPER, or SYSDBA. You

cannot be connected via a multi-threaded server.
Syntax

SHUTDOWN command ::=

where:
ABORT

Proceeds with the fastest possible shutdown. Does not wait for calls to complete or
users to disconnect. Does not close or dismount the database, but does shut down the
instance. Requires instance recovery on next startup. You must use this option if a
background process terminates abnormally.
IMMEDIATE

Does not wait for current calls to complete, prohibits further connects, and closes and
dismounts the database. Finally, shuts down the instance. Does not wait for connected
users to disconnect. Does not require instance recovery on next startup.
NORMAL

Waits for currently connected users to disconnect from the database, prohibits further
connects, and closes and dismounts the database. Finally, shuts down the instance.
Does not require instance recovery on next startup. NORMAL is the
default option.
Attention:

In Server Manager, you can have several separate connections open at any time in
multiple windows. If you have any connections open, remember to close them before
performing a shutdown in normal mode. Otherwise, the shutdown will not complete.
Example

SHUTDOWN
Database closed.
Database dismounted.
Oracle instance shut down.

SPOOL
Purpose

Enable or disable spooling of output to a specified file.

Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

SPOOL command ::=

where:
filename

Any valid name for a spool file. If not specified, the file type or file extension is LOG.
If a file by the specified name exists, an error is generated.
OFF

Closes the previously opened spool file.

Usage Notes

If you do not specify a file, Server Manager prompts you for a filename.

Additional Information: The default filename is operating system specific. Refer to

your operating system-specific Oracle documentation for the default filename on your
operating system. To see whether you are currently spooling, enter SHOW SPOOL.
Note:
When long lines of text (usually from a table query) are written to a spool file or to a
terminal, newline codes are inserted in the text if the lines exceed the maximum line
length for the platform.
Example

To create a file named NOV2.LOG, enter:

SPOOL NOV2

STARTUP
Purpose

Start an Oracle instance with several options, including mounting and opening a
database.
Prerequisites

You must be connected to a database as INTERNAL, SYSOPER, or SYSDBA. You

cannot be connected via a multi-threaded server.
Syntax

STARTUP command ::=

MOUNT_OPTIONS clause ::=

where:
FORCE

Shuts down the current Oracle instance (if it is running) with SHUTDOWN mode
ABORT, before restarting it. If the current instance is running and FORCE is not
specified, an error results. FORCE is useful while debugging and under abnormal
circumstances. It should not normally be used.
RESTRICT

Only allows Oracle users with the RESTRICTED SESSION system privilege to
connect to the database. Later, you can use the ALTER SYSTEM command to disable
the restricted session feature.
PFILE=filename

Causes the specified parameter file to be used while starting up the instance.
MOUNT

Mounts a database but does not open it.

OPEN

Mounts and opens the specified database.

NOMOUNT

Causes the database not to be mounted upon instance startup. Cannot be used with
SHARED, EXCLUSIVE, PARALLEL, MOUNT, or OPEN.
RECOVER

Specifies that media recovery should be performed, if necessary, before starting the
instance. STARTUP RECOVER has the same effect as issuing the RECOVER
DATABASE command and starting an instance. Only complete recovery is possible
with the RECOVER option.

Recovery proceeds, if necessary, as if AUTORECOVERY is set to ON, regardless of

whether or not AUTORECOVERY is enabled. If a redo log file is not found in the
expected location, recovery continues as if AUTORECOVERY is disabled, by
prompting you with the suggested location and name of the subsequent log files that
need to be applied. Refer to "RECOVER" for Usage Notes on page -16 for a
description of how to proceed with recovery when AUTORECOVERY is disabled.

If recovery fails using the RECOVER option, the database remains mounted and
closed.
database
The name of the database to mount or open. If no database name is specified, the
database name is taken from the initialization parameter DB_NAME.
EXCLUSIVE

Signifies that the database can only be mounted and opened by the current instance (it
cannot be opened simultaneously by multiple instances). Cannot be used with
SHARED, PARALLEL, or NOMOUNT. If no mounting option is specified,
EXCLUSIVE is assigned by default.
PARALLEL

Must be specified if the database is to be mounted by multiple instances concurrently.

Cannot be used with EXCLUSIVE or NOMOUNT. Invalid if the initialization
parameter SINGLE_PROCESS is set to TRUE.
SHARED

Synonym for PARALLEL.

RETRY

Specifies that opening the database should be attempted every five seconds if the
instance is busy being recovered by another instance. When an instance is being
recovered by another instance, the down instance cannot open the database until
recovery is complete. If the database cannot be opened for any other reason, RETRY
does not attempt to open the database again. This option is only available for instances
operating in PARALLEL mode. The number of times RETRY attempts to start the
database can be set with the SET RETRIES command (refer to "SET" for the
option, RETRIES integer | INFINITE on page -23 ).
Examples

To start an instance using the standard parameter file, mount the default database in
exclusive mode, and open the database, enter:
STARTUP

or enter:
STARTUP OPEN databasename EXCLUSIVE

To start an instance using the standard parameter file, mount the default database in
parallel mode, and open the database, enter:
STARTUP PARALLEL
STARTUP OPEN databasename PARALLEL

To restart an instance that went down in parallel mode and may not yet have been
recovered by other instances, use the RETRY option:
STARTUP PARALLEL RETRY

To shut down the current instance, immediately restart it without mounting or

opening, and allow only database administrators to connect, enter:
STARTUP FORCE NOMOUNT RESTRICT

To start an instance using the parameter file TESTPARM without mounting the
database, enter:
STARTUP PFILE=testparm NOMOUNT

To shut down a particular database, immediately restart and open it in parallel mode,
allow access only to database administrators, and use the parameter file
MYINIT.ORA. enter:
STARTUP OPEN databasename PFILE=myinit.ora FORCE SHARED RESTRICT

To start up an instance and mount but not open a database, you can use the following
sequence of commands (the system's response is also shown):
CONNECT INTERNAL
Connected.

STARTUP NOMOUNT
Oracle instance started.

ALTER DATABASE MOUNT

Statement processed.

At this point, you could run a maintenance command and then open the database, as
shown in the following commands:
ALTER DATABASE ARCHIVELOG;
Statement processed.

ALTER DATABASE OPEN;

Statement processed.

VARIABLE
Purpose

Declare a bind variable for use in the current session with the EXECUTE or PRINT
command, or for use with a PL/SQL block.
Prerequisites

None.
Syntax

VARIABLE command ::=

where:
name

The name of the bind variable you wish to define.

type

The datatype of the bind variable. The valid datatypes are NUMBER, CHAR, and
VARCHAR2. You can specify a length from 1 to 255 for CHAR, and from 1 to 2,000
for VARCHAR2. If you do not specify a length, CHAR and VARCHAR2 default to
the current setting of CHARWIDTH.
Usage Notes

Bind variables defined with the VARIABLE command exist until the end of the
session. Variables defined in your session cannot be accessed or changed by a
different session.

Warning:

CHAR variables are fixed length, padded with blanks. VARCHAR2 variables are
variable length. You must use CHAR when passing a character variable to a PL/SQL
procedure that defines a CHAR parameter. Otherwise, a conversion error results. A
PL/SQL procedure that expects a VARCHAR2 variable, on the other hand, will
automatically convert a CHAR parameter to the proper form. (In general, it is a good
idea to avoid the use of CHAR variables in PL/SQL procedures unless blank-padding
is an absolute requirement.)
Note:
In V6 compatibility mode, a CHAR variable is variable length, rather than fixed.
Examples

VARIABLE balance NUMBER

VARIABLE ename CHAR(20)

This appendix lists the differences between Oracle7 SQL*DBA and Server Manager
DBA commands.

Figure C-1 Functional Differences

Feature SQL*DBA Server Manager

DESCRIBE Lists information about the Lists the definition of the procedure
for PL/SQL procedure argument in a tabular argument
form

PRINT <no args> Does nothing Prints all defined variables

PRINT SQLDBA> print a SVRMGR> print a

(before connect) DBA-00302: not connected to a A
database ----------
10

SET CHARWIDTH Displays a character string Displays the number of characters

equivalent to the number of bytes specified by CHARWIDTH
required. For example, if regardless of the number of bytes
CHARWIDTH is set to 14 and a used by the character string. For
two-byte character set is used, example, if CHARWIDTH is set to
seven characters are displayed. 14, 14 characters are displayed.

SET Unsupported Server Manager uses the native SQL

COMPATIBILITY of the database to which you are
NATIVE connected

SHOW <no args> SQLDBA> show Prints current Server Manager

show settings
*
DBA-00115: unexpected end of
command

SPOOL <no args> SQLDBA> spool SVRMGR> spool

File sqldba.l og opened... Name for the spool file:
No prompt (svrmgr.log)
Prompts for a filename. The default
is SVRMGR.LOG.

STARTUP If any step of STARTUP fails, If any step of STARTUP fails,

SQL*DBA backs out and leaves Server Manager leaves the database
the database in a shutdown state. in its current state. For example, if an
error is encountered after the mount
stage, Server Manager leaves the
database mounted.

VARIABLE aCHAR Default size is 1 Default size is CHARWIDTH

@<no args> SQLDBA> @ SVRMGR> @

ORA-07225: ... Name of script file:
Prints an error Prompts for the name of the file

Empty line SQLDBA> garbage SVRMGR> garbage

2> 2>
SQLDBA>; 3>;
SQLDBA> garbage *
ORA-00900: invalid SQL statement
 SVRMGR>

Figure C-2 Cosmetic Differences

Feature SQL*DBA Server Manager

Prompt SQLDBA> SVRMGR>

Product Banner SQL*DBA Server Manager

Connect to idle SQLDBA> connect SVRMGR> connect internal connected to an idle

instance internal connected. instance.

PRINT a A A
----------
---------- 10 1 row 10 The variable name is not space padded:
selected. "A"
The variable name is Also, no feedback is listed.
space padded:
"A ".

SET SQLDBA> set echo on SVRMGR> set echo on

SQLDBA> Echo ON
SVRMGR>
Server Manager echoes the new value

Error Message DBA-xxxxx: ... MGR-xxxxx: ...

Prefix
Wrapping text Writes 80 characters Writes the entire width and relies on the display device
and then wraps to deal with wrapping. This is better for wide
terminals.

Figure C-3 Unsupported Options

Feature SQL*DBA Server Manager

RECOVERY prompt FROM <log source> clause is unsupported

SET FLAGGER... SET FLAGGER Unsupported: Use the ALTER SESSION

ENTRY SET FLAGGER statement

SHOW FLAGGER Shows FLAGGER Unsupported

value

SET LABELWIDTH Unsupported

SET RETRIES Unsupported

SHOW VARIABLES SHOW Shows all defined Unsupported: Use the PRINT command
VAR variables with no arguments

SHUTDOWN dbname Unsupported

Obsolete Functionality
Feature SQL*DBA Server Manager

SET ARRAYSIZE Changes the size of No longer used: Server Manager automatically
each chooses optimum fetch size.
fetch call

SET CYCLE Sets the monitor No longer used

interval

SET/SHOW Line mode No longer used

DISPWIDTH

SET HISTORY Screen mode No longer used

SET LINES Screen mode No longer used

SET/SHOW Line mode No longer used

LOGWIDTH

SET TERM Screen mode No longer used

Operational Differences
Feature SQL*DBA Server Manager

Executing a SQL script from the >sqldba @script.sql >svrmgrl command = @script.sql
operating system command line

Executing a server command Unsupported >svrmgrl command="connect x/y@z"

from the operating system
command line

Entering a Server Manager Unsupported Type a backslash (\) at the end of each
command spanning multiple line to indicate continuation.
lines
SVRMGR> connect \
2> myrdb/password

Entering a quoted string Type a backslash (\) at the end of each

spanning multiple lines line to indicate continuation.

SVRMGR> select *
2> from emp
3> where ename = 'A\
4> BCDEF';

Exiting the application SQLDBA> exit SVRMGR> exit

or
SVRMGR> quit

Aborting a command Hit <Return> twice Enter a period (.) by itself on a line. This
or procedure applies to Server Manager l
Enter a period (.) by Line Mode only.
 itself on a line.
SVRMGR> delete from emp
2> .
SVRMGR>

Executing the current SQL Enter a slash (/) by itself on a line.

statement
SVRMGR> select *
2> from emp
3> /