Database Name Query (name.sql)

What This Script Does

Displays the name of the current database by querying the V$DATABASE view. This simple but essential script provides quick confirmation of which database you’re connected to.

The Script

rem  name.sql
rem
ttitle 'Database Name'
rem
SELECT name
FROM v$database
/

Usage

-- Display current database name
@name.sql

Parameters

The script requires no input parameters.

Required Privileges

-- Usually available to all users
SELECT on V$DATABASE

Sample Output

                                Database Name

NAME
---------
PROD

Common Use Cases

Environment Verification

-- Confirm you're connected to the correct database
@name.sql
-- Especially important in production environments

Script Documentation

-- Include in larger scripts to document target database
@name.sql
-- Provides audit trail in spool files

Connection Validation

-- Quick check after establishing database connection
@name.sql
-- Verify connection success and target

Multi-Environment Management

-- Distinguish between DEV, TEST, and PROD databases
@name.sql
-- Essential for DBAs managing multiple environments

Integration with Other Scripts

Login Scripts

-- Include in login.sql for automatic display
@name.sql
-- Shows database name at session start

Health Check Scripts

-- Include in comprehensive health checks
@name.sql
-- Documents which database was analyzed

Batch Processing

-- Verify target database before bulk operations
@name.sql
-- Prevent accidental operations on wrong database

The V$DATABASE view contains additional useful information:

Extended Query

SELECT name,
       db_unique_name,
       database_role,
       open_mode,
       created
FROM v$database;

Database Status

SELECT name,
       open_mode,
       database_role
FROM v$database;

Benefits

Safety Check

Prevents accidental operations on wrong database
Quick environment verification
Essential for production safety

Documentation

Provides clear database identification
Useful in log files and reports
Audit trail for operations

Simplicity

Minimal resource usage
Fast execution
Universal compatibility

Performance Impact

Minimal: Single row query on system view
Fast: Instantaneous execution
No Overhead: No impact on database performance

Use in Automation

Shell Scripts

# Get database name in shell scripts
DB_NAME=$(sqlplus -s user/pass@db <<< "SELECT name FROM v$database;" | grep -v "^$")

Batch Files

-- Include at start of batch processing scripts
@name.sql
-- Confirm correct target database

Security Considerations

Generally safe for all users
No sensitive information exposed
Read-only operation with no side effects

login - SQL*Plus login configuration
db - Comprehensive database information
gvinst - RAC instance status