How to Retrieve a List of All Tables in an Oracle Database?

Accessing Oracle Database Table Lists

This guide explains how to retrieve a complete list of tables within an Oracle database. The core question is: How can I get a list of all table names in my Oracle database?

Solution:

The most effective approach utilizes the Oracle data dictionary view, DBA_TABLES. This view contains comprehensive details on all database tables and can be queried with this SQL statement:

<code class="language-sql">SELECT owner, table_name
FROM dba_tables;</code>

This query requires appropriate access privileges. If access is denied, you'll need to request SELECT ANY DICTIONARY privileges or the SELECT_CATALOG_ROLE from your database administrator (DBA). These privileges grant access to all data dictionary views.

For users lacking DBA_TABLES access, the ALL_TABLES view provides an alternative. This view displays tables accessible to the connected user:

<code class="language-sql">SELECT owner, table_name
FROM all_tables;</code>

Note that ALL_TABLES only shows tables the user can access, not necessarily all tables in the database.

To list only tables owned by the currently logged-in user, use the USER_TABLES view:

<code class="language-sql">SELECT table_name
FROM user_tables;</code>

USER_TABLES omits the OWNER column as the owner is implicitly the current user.

While older views like TAB, DICT, TABS, and CAT exist, their use is generally avoided due to potential compatibility problems with modern Oracle object types.

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