Question

Is it possible to use COUNT in some way that will give me the number of tuples that are in a .sql file? I tried using it in a query with the file name like this:

SELECT COUNT(*) FROM @q65b;

It tells me that the table is invalid, which I understand because it isn’t a table, q65b is a file with a query saved in it. I’m trying to compare the number of rows in q65b to a view that I have created. Is this possible or do I just have to run the query and check the number of rows at the bottom?

Thanks

Answer 1

You can do this in SQL*Plus. For example:

1. Create the text file, containing the query (note: no semicolon!):

   select * from dual
   

2. Save it in a file, e.g. myqueryfile.txt, to the folder accessible from your SQL*Plus session.

3. You can now call this from within another SQL query – but make sure the @ as at the start of a line, e.g.:

   SQL> select * from (
     2  @myqueryfile.txt
     3  );
   
   D
   -
   X
   

I don’t personally use this feature much, however.