Performing a DESCRIBE or DESC on a table with CHAR columns shows up as 4 times the size or is multiplied by four. For example, VARCHAR2(10) is showing up as VARCHAR2(40).
This happens only on Unicode / UTF8 / Multi-Byte databases. The issue happens on table columns that are created as i.e. COL1 VARCHAR2(10 CHAR). If the table datatype is created as i.e. COL1 VARCHAR2(10 BYTE), the problem does not happen.
WORKAROUND:
Use F9 or "Execute in SQL Plus" to execute the DESCRIBE or DESC table_name
STATUS:
Waiting for fix in a future release of Toad for Oracle.
STEPS TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM:
1) Run the create table script below in the Editor:
CREATE TABLE CARS
(
CAR_YEAR NUMBER(8),
CAR_MAKE VARCHAR2(10 CHAR),
CAR_MODEL VARCHAR2(20 CHAR)
)
2) Type "Describe CARS" -OR- "Desc CARS" in the Editor
3) Press F5 or "Execute in QSR"
Problem happens - the column is showing as 4 times the size i.e VARCHAR2(10) is showing as VARCHAR2(40)
4) Press F9 or "Execute in SQL Plus"
Problem DOES NOT happen
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