Problem with forward slash

[keenanbr]

I'm just beginning to investigate a problem with one of our systems. The problem is that any Company Name that has a forward slash (e.g. company name/aka another company name) causes the application to fall over. I was wondering if the slash might be causing a stored procedure to fall over. Are there any known issues.

Thanks in advance

 

[KenCunningham]

Forward slashes are generally used to execute the stored proc, so possibly that's where it's failing.

I want to be good, is that not enough?

 

[SantaMufasa]

Forward slashes are generally used to execute the stored proc...

Here are some observations regarding the "/" character as it relates to Oracle and pre-defined meanings/effects for the "/" character:[ul][li]"/" does not mean "execute the previous procedure"; it is a directive to SQL*Plus to interpret/complile the code that precedes the "/" on previous lines. To "execute" a procedure within SQL*Plus, we use the SQL*Plus "EXEC" or "EXECUTE" command.[/li][li] If a slash appears on a line with other code, and the "/" is not contained in a literal string, then the only pre-defined use of the "/" in Oracle is as a operator to divide the left operand by the right operand. Otherwise, a syntax error occurs.[/li][li]A slash contained in a data expression during execution should have no adverse effect on that execution.[/li][/ul]To illustrate:

SQL> create or replace procedure keenan (x varchar2) is
begin
    dbms_output.put_line(x);
end; /
/

PLS-00103: Encountered the symbol "/" The symbol "/" was ignored.

SQL> create or replace procedure keenan (x varchar2) is
begin
    dbms_output.put_line(x);
end;
/

Procedure created.

SQL> exec keenan('Hello')
Hello

SQL> exec keenan('Hello/There')
Hello/There

Notice that the "/", when part of a literal in an expression, should have no adverse effect on execution.

So, I'm not convinced that we have identified Keenan's problem. Keenan, is your code short enough (and non-proprietary enough) that you could post it here for diagnosis?

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”

 

[keenanbr]

thanks for the pointers.I'll do some more diagnosis before i continue with this post.

Regards,

 

[KenCunningham]

...and thank you Dave for the correction and clarification to my mussed up understanding!

I want to be good, is that not enough?

 

[SantaMufasa]

I want to be good, is that not enough?

Ken, you are good! Your history here proves that. Don't allow a triviality like a "/" to cause you to question your understanding.


Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”

 

[KenCunningham]

Too kind, Dave. Must consider a change to my sig!

I want to be good, is that not enough?