How Can I Prevent Ampersand (&) Prompts in SQL*Plus Scripts?

*Suppressing Ampersand Prompts in SQLPlus Scripts**

Running SQL scripts in SQLPlus can be interrupted by ampersands (&), which SQLPlus interprets as substitution variables. This happens even within comments or define statements. Here's how to avoid these prompts:

The simplest method is to globally disable the substitution variable feature. Use the command SET DEFINE OFF at the beginning of your script. This prevents SQL*Plus from treating any ampersands as variables, allowing their use within comments and define statements without interruption.

Another approach involves strategically placing ampersands. If an ampersand is part of a string literal, append it to the end of the string. SQL*Plus will then correctly interpret it as a string character. For example, 'StackOverflow &' || ' you' will produce StackOverflow & you without prompting for a substitution.

These methods provide effective ways to handle ampersands in SQL*Plus scripts, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted execution.

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