Query Parameters Dialog

The Query Parameter Dialog appears whenever SQL statements or PL/SQL blocks that contain parameter placeholders are executed within the SQL and PL/SQL File Editor. A parameter placeholder is identified by a colon followed by any arbitrary identifier (for example, :ID or :1 ).

Once one or more parameter values are entered into the dialog and the OK button is pressed, the SQL statement or PL/SQL block is executed using the parameter values entered.

Starting the Query Parameters Dialog

To use the Query Parameters Dialog, open the SQL and PL/SQL File Editor. Enter a SQL statement or a PL/SQL block that contains a parameter placeholder. Then execute the statement by right-clicking the SQL and PL/SQL File Editor and choosing Execute SQL.

The Query Parameters Dialog appears as follows:

Description of the illustration queryparameters.gif

Using the Query Parameters Dialog

The Query Parameters Dialog has the following controls:

Control	Description
Name	Displays name of the parameter placeholder.
Type	Displays the external data type of the parameter. This is the data type ODT uses when storing and passing the value to Oracle Database. The default type, VARCHAR2, should be sufficient for most cases, because it is convertible to many other Oracle Internal data types. For more information, see External Data Types in the Oracle Call Interface Programmer's Guide.
Value	Enter the value for the parameter or select NULL from the drop-down list.
OK	Closes this dialog and executes the SQL or PL/SQL using the parameter values provided.
Cancel	Closes this dialog and cancels the execution of the SQL or PL/SQL.
Help	Opens this help page