In Oracle, what is SQL*Plus and what are its main features for working with SQL and PL/SQL?

Introduction / Context:
SQL*Plus is one of the oldest and most widely used tools for interacting with Oracle databases. Even though modern graphical tools exist, SQL*Plus remains important for scripting, administration and troubleshooting. Interviewers often ask what SQL*Plus is and what it can do to ensure candidates recognise it as a core Oracle utility rather than confusing it with unrelated software.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The database platform is Oracle.
• Users need a way to connect to the database, issue SQL and PL/SQL commands and view results.
• Tools may be command line based or graphical.
• SQL*Plus has been available for many Oracle versions on different operating systems.

Concept / Approach:
SQL*Plus is a command line interface and scripting environment for Oracle. It allows users to connect to an Oracle database using a username and password, enter SQL queries and PL/SQL blocks, execute them and see the results in text form. It supports editing commands, saving scripts to files, running scripts with @ and @@ commands and formatting query output into reports. Database administrators frequently use SQL*Plus for tasks such as creating users, granting privileges, running maintenance scripts and checking performance views. Developers use it for quick testing and batch execution of SQL or PL/SQL code.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that SQL*Plus is launched as a console or terminal program, often by running the sqlplus command with connection parameters. Step 2: After logging in, the user can type SQL statements such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE, as well as PL/SQL blocks and anonymous procedures. Step 3: SQL*Plus sends these commands to the Oracle database, receives results and prints them as formatted text in the terminal. Step 4: Users can save sequences of commands in .sql script files and run them later, allowing automation of database tasks and repeatable deployments. Step 5: SQL*Plus also supports formatting commands, substitution variables, spooling output to files and connecting to different databases during a session.

Verification / Alternative check:
Typical SQL*Plus sessions show a prompt such as SQL> where users enter commands. Examples include SQL> SELECT username FROM dba_users; or SQL> @myscript.sql to run a stored script. The tool responds with tabular output or messages about rows affected. There is no graphical interface or web browsing functionality. Oracle documentation describes SQL*Plus as an interactive and batch query tool, confirming that its main role is executing and formatting SQL and PL/SQL, as summarised in option A.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes a file system driver, which is unrelated to database query execution. Option C presents SQL*Plus as a web browser plugin, which does not match its text based interface. Option D treats SQL*Plus as antivirus software, which is not its purpose. Option E incorrectly claims that SQL*Plus cannot execute SQL commands, while execution of SQL and PL/SQL is its primary function. Only option A accurately defines SQL*Plus as an Oracle command line and script execution tool for working with SQL and PL/SQL.

Common Pitfalls:
Some new users expect graphical features from SQL*Plus and are surprised by its text based interface. Others underestimate its power for scripting and automation. A further pitfall is confusing SQL*Plus with SQL Developer, which is a separate graphical tool. In interviews, emphasise that SQL*Plus is valuable for quick, script driven interaction with Oracle databases, especially in server environments where graphical tools may not be available.

Final Answer:
SQL*Plus is an Oracle command line and script execution tool that allows users to enter, edit and run SQL and PL/SQL commands, format query results and run scripts.