Reading package contents in SQL Plus

Question

Hi,
I'd asked a similar question last week, but didn't see it responded to with a proper reply.
Ive created a package in SQL Plus, and much like you use the DESCRIBE command to see info on tables that are created, I'd like to see the contents and script of my package to verify some contents of it.
How can I do that? Or can I do that?
I've read this:
http://download-west.oracle.com/docs/cd/A87860_01/doc/appdev.817/a77069/08_packs.htm#4376
But it doesn't explain within how to go about doing that if indeed that is possible at all. Would anyone that knows if this can be done please reply with the way to do it?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,
You can query USER_SOURCE (or ALL_SOURCE, at your choice) to get what you need.
Consider:
SQL> create or replace package small is
  2    procedure Test;
  3  end;
  4  /
Package created.
SQL> create or replace package body small is
  2
  3  procedure Test is
  4  begin
  5    null;
  6  end;
  7
  8  end;
  9  /
Package body created.We just created simple package, for demonstration purposes. Now, we're about to view its source:
SQL> column text format a100
SQL>
SQL> select line, text
  2    from user_source
  3   where name = 'SMALL'
  4     and type = 'PACKAGE'
  5   order by line;
      LINE TEXT
         1 package small is
         2   procedure Test;
         3 end;
SQL> select line, text
  2    from user_source
  3   where name = 'SMALL'
  4     and type = 'PACKAGE BODY'
  5   order by line;
      LINE TEXT
         1 package body small is
         2
         3 procedure Test is
         4 begin
         5   null;
         6 end;
         7
         8 end;
8 rows selected.
SQL>Alternatively, you can make use of DBMS_METADATA package.
Regards.