8
Command Reference

This chapter contains descriptions of SQL*Plus commands, listed alphabetically. Use this chapter for reference only. Each description contains the following parts:

Purpose	Discusses the basic use(s) of the command.
Syntax	Shows how to enter the command. Refer to Chapter 1 for an explanation of the syntax notation.
Terms and Clauses	Describes the function of each term or clause appearing in the syntax.
Usage Notes	Provides additional information on how the command works and on uses of the command.
Examples	Gives one or more examples of the command.

A summary table that lists and briefly describes SQL*Plus commands precedes the individual command descriptions.

You can continue a long SQL*Plus command by typing a hyphen at the end of the line and pressing [Return]. If you wish, you can type a space before typing the hyphen. SQL*Plus displays a right angle-bracket (>) as a prompt for each additional line.

You do not need to end a SQL*Plus command with a semicolon. When you finish entering the command, you can just press [Return]. If you wish, however, you can enter a semicolon at the end of a SQL*Plus command.