What is a cursor in SQL?


A SQL cursor is a database object which is used to manipulate data in a set, do row-by-row processing, instead of the T-SQL commands that operate on all the rows in the result set at one time.

What is cursor in SQL with example?

Cursor is a Temporary Memory or Temporary Work Station. It is Allocated by Database Server at the Time of Performing DML(Data Manipulation Language) operations on Table by User. Cursors are used to store Database Tables. There are 2 types of Cursors: Implicit Cursors, and Explicit Cursors.

What is the purpose of cursor in SQL?

In SQL procedures, a cursor make it possible to define a result set (a set of data rows) and perform complex logic on a row by row basis. By using the same mechanics, an SQL procedure can also define a result set and return it directly to the caller of the SQL procedure or to a client application.

What does a cursor do?

1) A cursor is the position indicator on a computer display screen where a user can enter text. In an operating system with a graphical user interface (GUI), the cursor is also a visible and moving pointer that the user controls with a mouse, touch pad, or similar input device.

What is cursor in SQL with example?

Cursor is a Temporary Memory or Temporary Work Station. It is Allocated by Database Server at the Time of Performing DML(Data Manipulation Language) operations on Table by User. Cursors are used to store Database Tables. There are 2 types of Cursors: Implicit Cursors, and Explicit Cursors.

What is the purpose of cursor in SQL?

In SQL procedures, a cursor make it possible to define a result set (a set of data rows) and perform complex logic on a row by row basis. By using the same mechanics, an SQL procedure can also define a result set and return it directly to the caller of the SQL procedure or to a client application.

Why is it called a cursor?

Cursor is Latin for ‘runner’. A cursor is a name given to the transparent slide engraved with a hairline used to mark a point on a slide rule. The term was then transferred to computers through analogy.

What is difference between trigger and cursor?

A cursor is activated and thus created in response to any SQL statement. A trigger is executed in response to a DDL statement, DML statement or any database operation.

What is cursor example?

In this chapter, we will discuss the cursors in PL/SQL. Oracle creates a memory area, known as the context area, for processing an SQL statement, which contains all the information needed for processing the statement; for example, the number of rows processed, etc. A cursor is a pointer to this context area.

What is a cursor in a database?

A database cursor is an identifier associated with a group of rows. It is, in a sense, a pointer to the current row in a buffer. You must use a cursor in the following cases: Statements that return more than one row of data from the database server: A SELECT statement requires a select cursor.

What is difference between pointer and cursor?

Expert-Verified Answer The mouse pointer is an arrow-like figure that appears on the screen of the computer. It is used to locate the different icons on the screen. It can move across the screen. The cursor, however, is a blinking line that appears whenever you type something on the computer.

Can you loop in SQL?

In SQL Server, a loop is the technique where a set of SQL statements are executed repeatedly until a condition is met. SQL Server supports the WHILE loop. The execution of the statements can be controlled from within the WHLE block using BREAK and CONTINUE keywords.

What is a cursor data type?

A cursor type can be the built-in data type CURSOR or a user-defined type that is based on the built-in CURSOR data type. A user-defined cursor type can also be defined with a specific row type to restrict the attributes of the result row of the associated cursor.

What is the difference between collection and cursor?

A cursor is a compiled SQL program. A cursor variable (in PL/SQL for example) is a pointer/handle for this cursor program in server memory (Shared Pool in the SGA). A collection is a non-scalar/array data structure. Neither implements business logic.

What is cursor and its attributes?

Each cursor has a set of attributes that enables an application program to test the state of the cursor. These attributes are %ISOPEN, %FOUND, %NOTFOUND, and %ROWCOUNT. %ISOPEN. This attribute is used to determine whether a cursor is in the open state.

What is cursor in SQL with example?

Cursor is a Temporary Memory or Temporary Work Station. It is Allocated by Database Server at the Time of Performing DML(Data Manipulation Language) operations on Table by User. Cursors are used to store Database Tables. There are 2 types of Cursors: Implicit Cursors, and Explicit Cursors.

What is the purpose of cursor in SQL?

In SQL procedures, a cursor make it possible to define a result set (a set of data rows) and perform complex logic on a row by row basis. By using the same mechanics, an SQL procedure can also define a result set and return it directly to the caller of the SQL procedure or to a client application.

How many types of cursor keys are there?

The keyboard keys that move the pointer (cursor) on screen. They include the up, down, left and right arrow, home, end, pageUp and pageDown keys.

What does cursor position mean?

The cursor position is represented by the line number and the character number and signifies where the next character will be displayed. For example, cursor position 1,1 always indicates the upper-leftmost corner position on the terminal. Cursor position 10,30 indicates the 30th character position on the 10th line.

What is the syntax of cursor?

Syntax: DECLARE CURSOR IS