Using this Guide

This guide gives you information about SQL*Plus that applies to all operating systems. Some aspects of SQL*Plus, however, differ on each operating system. Such operating system specific details are covered in the Oracle installation and user's guide provided for your system. Use these operating system specific guides in conjunction with the SQL*Plus User's Guide and Reference.

Throughout this guide, examples showing how to enter commands use a common command syntax and a common set of sample tables. The tables are described below.

You will find the "Conventions in Code Examples" section in the Preface particularly useful when referring to commands in Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 of this guide.

Sample Tables

Included with Oracle9i, are a number of sample schemas. The tutorial and examples in this guide use the EMP_DETAILS_VIEW view of the Human Resources (HR) sample schema. In using the HR sample schema you will come to understand the concepts and operations of this guide. This schema contains personnel records for a fictitious company. As you complete the exercises in this guide, imagine that you are the personnel director for this company.

Note: Dates in the sample tables use four digit years. As the default date format in SQL*Plus is DD-MM-YY, dates displayed show only a two digit year. Use the SQL TO_CHAR function in your SELECT statements to control the way dates are displayed.

For further information about the sample schemas included with Oracle9i, see the Oracle9i Sample Schemas guide. Figure 1-1 shows a description of the view, EMP_DETAILS_VIEW.

Figure 1-1 EMP_DETAILS_VIEW

 Name                                      Null?    Type
 ----------------------------------------- -------- ----------------------------
 EMPLOYEE_ID                               NOT NULL NUMBER(6)
 JOB_ID                                    NOT NULL VARCHAR2(10)
 MANAGER_ID                                         NUMBER(6)
 DEPARTMENT_ID                                      NUMBER(4)
 LOCATION_ID                                        NUMBER(4)
 COUNTRY_ID                                         CHAR(2)
 FIRST_NAME                                         VARCHAR2(20)
 LAST_NAME                                 NOT NULL VARCHAR2(25)
 SALARY                                             NUMBER(8,2)
 COMMISSION_PCT                                     NUMBER(2,2)
 DEPARTMENT_NAME                           NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
 JOB_TITLE                                 NOT NULL VARCHAR2(35)
 CITY                                      NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
 STATE_PROVINCE                                     VARCHAR2(25)
 COUNTRY_NAME                                       VARCHAR2(40)
 REGION_NAME                                        VARCHAR2(25)