The editor window is probably where most users spend a majority of their time. In this blog, I’ll continue
a conversation we had a few weeks ago. Please note that all of these features are available in the standard edition of Toad for Oracle, version 9.6.
6. Editor Options
Toad has many options for configuring the look and feel of the application. This definitely includes the editor. Here are the most common settings you will want to address before you get very far with Toad.
Editor Fonts
If you need a larger FONT size, or want to use a FONT that has non-English character support, you will need to go to the Editor options. If you are using a version of Toad older than 9.6, you will need to consult the help as these instructions have recently changed for the better.
Go the ‘Editor > Behavior’ page in Toad options. Push the ‘Editor font’ button.
Formatting Options
Toad’s SQL and PL/SQL formatter is completely configurable. For example, tell Toad when you want a series of 5 space characters converted to a single Tab character, or specify when to wrap lines in a sQL statement. To set this, you need to open the Formatting Options dialog. Once your options have been set, use the ‘Save’ button. You can then share your Formatting options file with other Toad users to encourage similar code formatting styles.
Please note the Formatter is being updated for Toad v9.7. Whenever possible your existing Formatter options will be honored when you upgrade.
Please read the v9.7 Release Notes for more information.
7. Reverse-Engineer SQL statements to a Visual Query Builder session
Have you ever tried to make sense of a query someone else has written? How about a query you yourself wrote a few months ago? Did you know that Toad can ‘visualize’ your problematic SQL queries in the Query Builder? Simply highlight your query in the editor, mouse-right-click, and choose ‘Send to Query Builder.’
One button click to convert Oracle Join Syntax to ANSI Join Syntax and so much more!
8. Auto Generation of Package Body from Existing Package Spec
Did you know that Toad could look at an existing PL/SQL Package Specification and auto-generate the complimentary Package Body source? Simply load your Package SPEC into the editor, and use the SHIFT+CTRL+C keyboard shortcut. Toad will parse the editor for the SPEC and paste the new BODY into a new tab on the Editor desktop.
The code is generated using the template you have defined in your Toad options. To learn more about this feature, read the Help topic titled ‘Using Templates within Packages.’
Never underestimate the power of the keyboard!
9. F9 versus F5 Statement Execution
Statement execution in Toad is pretty straightforward. If you want to execute a single statement, always use F9. If your editor has multiple statements and you are not using statement delimiters (; or /), then you will need to use SHIFT+F9 or highlight the statement you want to execute and use F9. If you have multiple statements and you want to execute them all, then use F5. Be sure to read
Bert’s blog series on Toad’s script execution to learn more about this powerful Toad feature.
10. F2 and SHIFT+F2
If you have ever accidently hidden your results panel or your editor panel in the editor, then simply try using F2 or SHIFT+F2 to get back. F2 will toggle you to full screen editor mode. Hitting F2 again will send you back. Using SHIFT+F2 will send you to full screen result set mode. Hitting SHIFT+F2 again will send you back.