Finding a TABLE based on a COLUMN NAME...

Question

I need to find all tables that that have a common column name.
Upon searching the Forum, I found this nice nugget:
How to find the table in a schema if I only know a particular column name
The problem is, my USER_TAB_COLUMNS is EMPTY!
If it had worked, then my statement would be:
select * from USER_TAB_COLUMNS
where COLUMN_NAME LIKE '%TEST%'
and OWNER='ME';
I get "no rows selected" (though I know they exist)
if I do:
select * from USER_TAB_COLUMNS
I also get "no rows selected"
Any ideas!
Thanks!
KSL.

Answer 1

The user_xxx data dictionary tables show all of the whatevers that are owned by the logged in user. So, if you are logged in as user1 the user_tab_columns view will only show tables and views owned by user1.
The all_xxx dictionary views show all of the whatevers that the logged in user has access to. so if you are logged in as user1 and user2 gave you selet privileges on tablea, then you would see tablea in all_tab_columns.
The dba_xxx views show all objects in the database, but are generally only available to privileged users.
If you have access to the dba_views, try:
SELECT owner, object_type
FROM dba_objects
WHERE UPPER(object_name) = 'ANL'It is possible that the table and or its columns were created with double quotes so are case sensitve. It may also be a synonym, pointing to one of the tables that you got form your query.
If you are only using all_tab_columns then it is possible that the user you are logged in as does not have privileges on the table anl so would not see it in the view.
A long shot, but are you sure you are in the right database?
John