When Run PLSQL Procedure Throws an Error: ‘[Error] ORA-00984 (361: 53): PL/SQL: ORA-00984: column not allowed here’

Are you tired of encountering the infamous ORA-00984 error when running a PLSQL procedure? Do you struggle to understand what’s causing this error and how to fix it? Worry no more! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of PLSQL and explore the reasons behind this error, as well as provide step-by-step solutions to overcome it.

What is ORA-00984 Error?

The ORA-00984 error is a common issue that occurs when you try to use a column name in a place where it’s not allowed. This error is often thrown when you’re running a PLSQL procedure that contains a syntax error or an invalid statement.

Symptoms of ORA-00984 Error

When you encounter the ORA-00984 error, you may see the following error message:

[Error] ORA-00984 (361: 53): PL/SQL: ORA-00984: column not allowed here

This error message usually appears with a specific line number (in this case, 361) and a column number (in this case, 53) that points to the location of the error in your code.

Causes of ORA-00984 Error

There are several reasons why you might encounter the ORA-00984 error when running a PLSQL procedure. Here are some common causes:

• Invalid column name: You may be using a column name that doesn’t exist in the table or view.
• Incorrect syntax: You may have a syntax error in your PLSQL code, such as a missing or extra comma.
• Column not allowed in the context: You may be trying to use a column in a place where it’s not allowed, such as in a SELECT statement.

Solutions to ORA-00984 Error

Now that we’ve explored the causes of the ORA-00984 error, let’s dive into the solutions!

Solution 1: Check the Column Name

Make sure the column name you’re using exists in the table or view. You can check the column names by running a DESCRIBE command:

DESCRIBE table_name;

This will display the column names and their data types.

Solution 2: Review the Syntax

Double-check your PLSQL code for any syntax errors. Look for missing or extra commas, incorrect parentheses, and other syntax issues. You can use an online syntax checker or a IDE with syntax highlighting to help you identify errors.

Solution 3: Column Not Allowed in the Context

Check if the column is allowed in the context where you’re using it. For example, if you’re using a column in a SELECT statement, make sure it’s part of the SELECT clause:

SELECT column_name, ...
FROM table_name;

Rather than:

SELECT *
FROM table_name
WHERE column_name = ...;

Example Scenario: Resolving ORA-00984 Error

Let’s take a real-world example to illustrate how to resolve the ORA-00984 error.

Problem Statement

We have a PLSQL procedure that inserts data into a table:

CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE insert_data AS
BEGIN
  INSERT INTO employees (employee_id, name, salary)
  VALUES (1, 'John Doe', 50000);
  INSERT INTO employees (department_id)
  VALUES (10);
END insert_data;

When we run the procedure, we get the ORA-00984 error:

[Error] ORA-00984 (361: 53): PL/SQL: ORA-00984: column not allowed here

Solution

After analyzing the error message, we notice that the error is occurring at line 361, column 53. Let’s take a closer look at the code:

INSERT INTO employees (department_id)
VALUES (10);

We realize that we’re trying to insert a single value into the department_id column, which is not allowed. We need to insert values for all columns:

INSERT INTO employees (employee_id, name, salary, department_id)
VALUES (2, 'Jane Doe', 60000, 10);

After making the changes, we recompile the procedure and run it again. This time, the procedure executes successfully!

Troubleshooting Tips

In addition to the solutions mentioned above, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the ORA-00984 error:

1. Check the error message: Read the error message carefully to identify the location of the error.
2. Use a debugger: Use a debugger like Oracle’s built-in debugger or a third-party tool to step through your code and identify the error.
3. Break down the code: Break down your code into smaller sections to isolate the error.
4. Check the Oracle documentation: Refer to the Oracle documentation to ensure you’re using the correct syntax and syntax for the PLSQL procedures.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the ORA-00984 error, its causes, and solutions. We also looked at a real-world example to illustrate how to resolve the error. By following the troubleshooting tips and solutions mentioned in this article, you’ll be able to overcome the ORA-00984 error and write more efficient and error-free PLSQL procedures.

Error Code	Error Message	Cause	Solution
ORA-00984	ORA-00984: column not allowed here	Invalid column name, incorrect syntax, or column not allowed in the context	Check the column name, review the syntax, and ensure the column is allowed in the context

Remember, debugging PLSQL procedures can be challenging, but with the right approach and tools, you can overcome any error and write robust and efficient code.

FAQs

• Q: What is the ORA-00984 error?
  A: The ORA-00984 error occurs when you try to use a column name in a place where it’s not allowed.
• Q: How do I fix the ORA-00984 error?
  A: Check the column name, review the syntax, and ensure the column is allowed in the context.
• Q: What are the common causes of the ORA-00984 error?
  A: Invalid column name, incorrect syntax, and column not allowed in the context.

We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you understand and resolve the ORA-00984 error. Happy coding!

Frequently Asked Question

Stuck with the dreaded “ORA-00984: column not allowed here” error when running a PLSQL procedure? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out these FAQs to resolve the issue and get your procedure up and running in no time!