Overcoming the Oracle SQL Developer Hanging Issue: A Guide to Properly Dropping Functions

Discover the reasons why using `EXECUTE IMMEDIATE DROP FUNCTION` may hang your Oracle SQL Developer and learn solutions to successfully drop functions without interruptions.
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Understanding the Problem: SQL Developer Hangs on DROP FUNCTION

When working with Oracle SQL Developer, many developers encounter unexpected challenges, one of which is the tool hanging when trying to execute EXECUTE IMMEDIATE 'DROP FUNCTION table_exists';. Imagine having a well-defined process for database management, only to find that the SQL Developer refuses to execute a simple DROP FUNCTION command. This can lead to frustration and reduced productivity.

In essence, the issue arises when DROP FUNCTION is called on a function still in use within the same session. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens and how to implement a workaround effectively.

Why SQL Developer Hangs on DROP FUNCTION

Oracle Database has built-in safeguards to prevent dropping functions that are currently being referenced or utilized in the same procedure or session. When the database detects that a function is in use, it opts to hang or block the execution of the DROP FUNCTION command instead of proceeding to drop the function. This design helps maintain data integrity and ensures that active processes are not disrupted.

The Solution: Using Job Submission to Drop Functions

Fortunately, there’s a workaround that allows you to drop the function without hanging SQL Developer. This solution involves submitting a job to drop the function in a different session. Here’s how you can implement this workaround step by step:

Step 1: Create Sample Tables

To start, ensure that you have sample tables in your database to avoid any execution issues. You can create a couple of simple tables as shown below:

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Step 2: Define the Function

Next, define the function you intend to drop later on. Below is the SQL for creating the table_exists function:

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Step 3: Using Job Submission for Drop

In your main procedure, declare a variable to hold the job number. Instead of calling DROP FUNCTION directly, utilize job submission to execute it in a separate session. Here’s how your declaration and job submission should look:

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Step 4: Verify the Drop

After running your procedure, ensure that the function is indeed dropped. You can check if the function is still available using a DESCRIBE statement:

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If successfully dropped, you should receive an error indicating that the object does not exist:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

In summary, if you ever find yourself dealing with an unresponsive SQL Developer when trying to drop a function, remember that the issue lies in attempting to drop a function still in use. By employing the job submission workaround, you can effectively manage your functions and ensure a smoother experience when working with the Oracle database. Happy coding!

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