SQL*Plus command line history on UNIX platform

Oracle SQL*Plus is now support command line history similar to UNIX “history” command. This feature is available from Oracle 12.2. Enables users to run, edit, or delete previously used SQL*Plus, SQL, or PL/SQL commands from the history list in the current session. You can enable or disable the HISTORY command in the current SQL*Plus session by using the SET HISTORY command.

The HISTORY command enables you to:

• List all entries in the command history list.

• Run an entry in the command history list.

• Edit an entry in the command history list.

• Delete an entry from the command history list.

• Clear all entries in the command history list. The following example shows you how to enable or disable command history, and how to check the command history status:

SQL> set history on
SQL> show history
History is ON and set to "100"
SQL> set history off
SQL> show history
History is OFF
SQL> set history 1000
SQL> show history
History is ON and set to "1000"

The following example shows you how to list all entries in the history list:

SQL> show history
History is ON and set to "100"
SQL> show user
USER is "SYSTEM"
SQL> desc dual
 Name                                      Null?    Type
 ----------------------------------------- -------- ----------------------------
 PROD                                               VARCHAR2(1)

SQL> select * from dual;

D
-
X

SQL> history 4 run

D
-
X

SQL> history
  1  show history
  2  show user
  3  desc dual
* 4  select * from dual;

An asterisk (*) indicates the last used command in the command history list.

The following example shows you how to list all entries in the history list, and then execute the second entry:

SQL> history
  1  show history
  2  show user
  3  desc dual
* 4  select * from dual;
SQL> history 2 run
USER is "SYSTEM"
SQL> history
  1  show hist
* 2  show user
  3  desc dual
  4  select * from dual;