Using SQL *Plus for Storing Temporary Values

Substitution variables can replace SQL*Plus command options or other hard-coded text. They can be used to customize SQL*Plus script output. Substitution variable references in a statement are pre-processed and replaced before SQL*Plus executes the statement. Variable values can be hard coded, prompted for, or set to script parameters. Variables can also hold values returned from queries. Sometimes substitution variables are known as user variables or define variables.

Bind variables store data values for SQL and PL/SQL statements executed in the RDBMS. They can hold single values or complete result sets.

System variables contain values directly controlling SQL*Plus, such as the line size and page size of reports. Some system variables affect how substitution variables are processed. System variables are sometimes called SET variables.

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First Page: Tutorial 2: SQL *Plus Commands