How to generate text file using spool command

Question

How can I use a SPOOL command with DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE with PL/SQL to produce text file on oracle client machine.

Answer 1

You could try using a REF CURSOR as an alternative. Bare bones example listed below:
--- SQL Script
SET FEEDBACK OFF
COLUMN first_name FORMAT A25
COLUMN last_name FORMAT A25
VARIABLE example_data REFCURSOR
BEGIN
example.get_data(:example_data);
END;
SPOOL example_data.txt
PRINT example_data
SPOOL OFF
-----Output in example_data.txt
FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME
First Name 1 Last Name 1
First Name 2 Last Name 2
First Name 3 Last Name 3
First Name 4 Last Name 4
First Name 5 Last Name 5
First Name 6 Last Name 6
First Name 7 Last Name 7
First Name 8 Last Name 8
First Name 9 Last Name 9
First Name 10 Last Name 10
-----Example package used in SQL Script
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE example
IS
TYPE result_set IS REF CURSOR;
PROCEDURE get_data
p_result_set OUT result_set
END;
SHOW ERRORS
CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE BODY example
IS
PROCEDURE get_data
p_result_set OUT result_set
IS
BEGIN
-- replace this with your query
OPEN p_result_set FOR
WITH fake_data AS (
SELECT
'First Name ' || level first_name,
'Last Name ' || level last_name
FROM DUAL
CONNECT BY LEVEL <= 10
SELECT *
FROM fake_data
END;
END;
SHOW ERRORS
SPOOL OFF