I want to practice SQL over xmas on my home PC. So far ive been using SQL*Plus on the computers at university.

I downloaded Oracle 10g on my PC and tried logging onto SQL*Plus to no avail. Its just not that simple.

Do any of you guys know how to get something based on SQL on my PC so i can practice querying?

Try downloading Mysql.

http://www.mysql.com/

Although Im not sure I understand you full dilema.

You have some databases at your college in SQL*Plus that you want to move to your home pc? If so, export your SQL*Plus database into a text file then upload it into your pc.

you said you tried "logging into sql*plus)? What's sql*plus? Some sort of db front end? If that's what you're looking for, there are a ton of front-ends that'll work with mysql and oracle.

SQL*Plus is an Oracle command line utility used for executing SQL and PL/SQL commands.

If it is as you say a 'front end' can you link me to more of these 'front end' thingys?

PHPMyAdmin

http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/index.php

great one for php (web-based, so you'll need a web server and php installed too)


Aqua Data Studio

http://www.aquafold.com/

GUI utility that links into a huge number of databases. Has a very similar look and feel to MS-SQL Enterprise Manager. I REALLY like this one...I use it all the time at my job.

Ok, so ive downloaded MySQL. I guess i need to use the MySQL Command Line client to run queries on a database right?

How do i make it point to a database? (text file).

Ok im at uni now. I came across a problem while writing a PROMPT for a report.

Using: where c.customer_id = &customer_id

And giving a value after, returns: invalid column name

Example:

WHERE c.customer_id = &customer_id
AND a.account_id = c.account_id
AND c.customer_id = ca.customer_id
AND c.customer_id = co.customer_id
AND co.order_id = o.order_id;

Any ideas?