Oracle SQL and PL/SQL Handbook: A Guide for Data Administrators, Developers, and Business Analysts

Executing the PL/SQL Program

PL/SQL code blocks that are contained in an external file are called anonymous block procedures and can be executed from the SQL prompt by using the START keyword. The location and name of the file follow the START keyword. This keyword causes SQL*Plus to load, compile, and execute the code block contained in the file. Listing 14.2 illustrates the execution of the code block illustrated in Listing 14.1.

Listing 14.2. Executing a PL/SQL Program

SQL> start c:\business\oracle~1\plsql1\l1.sql HELLO PL/SQL procedure successfully completed End listing

Upon completion of the PL/SQL code block, Oracle will output the message “PL/SQL procedure successfully completed,” which means that the program completed execution. If ...