BTEQ Command Elements
BTEQ commands consist of several elements, some of which are required and some of which are optional. Table 5 describes the elements of BTEQ command syntax, using the previous FORMAT command example.
|
Command Element |
Syntax Example |
Required or Optional |
Purpose |
|
BTEQ command identifier |
. (dot character) |
Optional, but recommended |
Identifies the beginning of a BTEQ command and distinguishes it from Teradata SQL. |
|
Keyword |
SET |
Optional for many commands |
Identifies that the command sets a processing condition. |
|
Command keyword |
FORMAT |
Required |
Specifies the function. |
|
Options |
ON |
Required for some commands; otherwise optional |
Specifies processing condition. |
|
Variable |
text |
Required for some commands; otherwise optional |
Specifies a value or entity for processing. |
|
BTEQ command terminator |
; (Semicolon character) |
Required for some commands; otherwise optional |
Identifies the end of the BTEQ command. |