SQLcl: The Modern Oracle Command-Line Tool You Need to Know About

 In the world of Oracle database management, command-line tools have always played a vital role. Traditionally, SQL*Plus was the go-to utility for interacting with Oracle databases from the terminal. But as technology evolved, Oracle introduced a more powerful, user-friendly, and feature-rich alternative: SQLcl (SQL Command Line).

If you're an Oracle developer, DBA, or even a casual user working with Oracle databases, SQLcl can significantly improve your productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore what SQLcl is, why it’s worth using, and how it can streamline your database workflows.

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🌟 What is SQLcl?

SQLcl is a modern command-line interface (CLI) provided by Oracle for working with Oracle databases. It offers everything SQL*Plus does but with more enhancements, better scripting support, and developer-friendly features.

Developed as part of the Oracle Database Utilities, SQLcl is lightweight, cross-platform, and supports powerful capabilities such as:

• Command History: Navigate through previous commands easily.
• Code Formatting: Automatically format your SQL code for readability.
• Scripting Support: Run complex scripts with ease.
• JSON and CSV Output: Export query results in modern data formats.
• DML and DDL Generation: Quickly generate table structures and data.
• REST Integration: Interact with Oracle REST Data Services (ORDS).

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⚙️ Why Should You Use SQLcl?

Here are some compelling reasons why SQLcl stands out:

1. Enhanced Productivity: With features like command history, tab completion, and syntax highlighting, working in SQLcl feels more intuitive compared to SQL*Plus.

2. Data Export Made Simple: Export query results as CSV, JSON, or even SQL inserts with a single command.

3. Built-in Liquibase Support: You can easily manage schema changes using the popular open-source tool Liquibase, integrated natively into SQLcl.

4. Cross-Platform: Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, SQLcl works seamlessly.

5. Smarter Scripting: The ability to use JavaScript alongside traditional SQL scripting expands what's possible from the command line.

How to Install SQLcl?

Installing SQLcl is straightforward:

1. Download SQLcl:
   Get the latest version from Oracle's official website:
   👉 SQLcl Download Page

2. Extract the Files:
   Unzip the downloaded file into a directory of your choice.

3. Set Up Environment Variables (Optional but Recommended):

• On Linux/macOS:
• export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/sqlcl/bin
• 
  
• On Windows:
• • Add the sqlcl\bin directory to the system PATH.

• Verify Installation:
  Open a terminal and run:

• sql

Comparison: SQLcl vs. SQL*Plus

Feature	SQL*Plus	SQLcl
Command History	❌	✅
Code Formatting	❌	✅
Export as JSON/CSV	❌	✅
REST Integration	❌	✅
Liquibase Support	❌	✅
Scripting (JavaScript)	❌	✅

Clearly, SQLcl offers a significant upgrade for Oracle users.

Conclusion: Why SQLcl Matters

SQLcl is more than just a replacement for SQL*Plus—it's a productivity powerhouse. Whether you're running ad-hoc queries, automating database tasks, or managing schema changes, SQLcl simplifies your workflow while adding modern features.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine SQLcl with shell scripting or automation tools like Ansible for even greater efficiency.