Oracle SQL Developer – How to Set Default Linesize

The preferences dictate when the code assist features kick in. In 4.0.3 we filter the advice for the automatic bits when there are more than 10 suggested identifiers. So, typing:

select * from 

...on a large schema, you'd likely not see any suggested table or views names, unless you invoked the helper directly via ctrl+spacebar.

As you type more, the more likely the suggested values will be of more value. The default settings will have automatic popups after .6 seconds and the number of hits goes below 10.

Tools > Preferences > Code Editor > Completion Insight

Make sure you don't have the first two items disabled. And try increasing the filter to something higher than 10. Examples of different insight 'helpers' and a video demo here.

You can set your own NULL text, that's in the preferences. I have a bug logged so you can set the NULL coloring AND use the zebra styling (fixed in version 4.1, soon to be released.) And I also have an ER logged for custom colors on the 'zebra' styling.

We fixed that bug, go get v4.1.1 - null color + zebra grids work now.

There are some SQL Developer specific comments/"hints". For example if you run the below as a script (F5) and not a statement (Ctrl-Enter):

select /*csv*/ * from table;

You will get the results in CSV format the first time already. You can even spool the output just as in SQL*Plus. So you could just run the below block of code as a script (select lines and F5) and get a CSV directly in one pass:

spool C:\Users\XYZ\Desktop\my.csv
select /*csv*/ * from table;
spool off

Starting with version 4.1, you do not even need to use the above comment/"hint". You can just:

SET SQLFORMAT csv

Then run your query as a script.

Further options here: http://www.thatjeffsmith.com/archive/2012/05/formatting-query-results-to-csv-in-oracle-sql-developer/