Using forwardslash / to terminate Oracle SQL statements

Using a forwardslash to terminate SQL statements

You can use the forward slash character to terminate an SQL statement as an alternative to the semicolon. Many of the Oracle-supplied DBA scripts use this method. When the forward slash is used, it must be on a line by itself and it must be the first character on that line. The following common query illustrates the use of the forwardslash character. The query retrieves a list of users who are currently logged into the database.

SVRMGR> SELECT username, sid, serial#
     2> FROM v$session
     3> /

USERNAME                      SID        SERIAL#

----------------------------- ---------- ----------

                                       1          1

                                       2          1

                                       3          1

                                       4          1

                                       5          1

                                       6          1

                                       7         35

                                       8         35

SYS                                   11          5

9 rows selected.

SVRMGR>

Using Server Manager to execute SQL statements

The choice between using a forward slash and a semicolon is purely a matter of personal preference. Use whichever method is easiest for you.