Using the Command Line Interface

The SQL*Plus command line interface is standard on all operating systems.

If you are connecting to a remote Oracle database, make sure your Net8/networking software is installed and working properly. For more information, see the Net8 Administrator's Guide and the Appendix, "Net8 Configuration", in the Oracle8i Administrator's Guide for Windows NT.

To start the SQL*Plus command line interface:

1. Select Command Prompt in the Start menu. A Command Prompt window appears.
   
   

2. Start SQL*Plus by entering
   
   C:\> SQLPLUS
   
   You can optionally include your login username and password separated by a slash (/), and a remote database name to connect to, for example:
   
   C:\> SQLPLUS username/password@net_service_name
   
   Otherwise you will be prompted to enter your username and password.

Interpreting Arguments in Windows

The rules for interpreting arguments in Windows command files are as follows:

• Arguments are delimited by white space.

• A string surrounded by double quotation marks, for example, "this string", is interpreted as a single argument.

• A double quotation mark preceded by a backslash is interpreted as a literal double quotation mark.

For more information about SQL*Plus command line arguments, refer to the SQL*Plus User's Guide and Reference.