Entering Commands and Statements
When the READY FOR COMMAND message appears in the status area, you may enter a Teradata SQL statement or execute an ITEQ command. If the statement or command is incomplete (for example, not terminated by a semicolon), the message INCOMPLETE STATEMENT. READY FOR COMMAND appears on the status area.
When a Teradata SQL statement is entered, it is sent to the Teradata DBS for processing. The statement remains displayed in the input area during processing and display of the response. Thus, if the statement you enter is in error or its result is not satisfactory, you may modify the statement with a minimum of rekeying. You modify the statement using the edit commands discussed below, and then re-enter the statement for processing.
An ITEQ command is executed in the client computer. When executed, the command is erased from the input area. Depending on the command, there may also be some visible change on the terminal screen to indicate execution.
To enter a Teradata SQL statement or to execute an ITEQ command, position the cursor opposite the arrow at the beginning of the input area and key the statement or command, terminating it by a semicolon (;). To enter the statement or execute the command, press Enter.
In Figure 6, a user has keyed a SELECT statement in the input area and pressed Enter. In response, the result (three columns of data) has been displayed in the display area.
Figure 6: Result of a SELECT Statement
Note that the original statement remains displayed in the input area.
A processing message appearing above the result indicates the type of processing that was performed and gives processing statistics. The status area indicates that the response is complete and that you may enter a new Teradata SQL statement or execute an ITEQ command. The ITEQ version number is displayed on the left half of the status area.