Using Describe command

[indian2000]

from Sys user i am using sql>desc dba_constraints
I am encountering following error
ORA-04043: object dba_constraitns does not exist
but I could query the same view. Pl calrify. Is there any previlage missing. its not coming for all views and tables.
I checked for few for example dba_objects, etc..
thanks
Murugs

[Mr.Hanky]

SQL> desc dba_constraints;
Name Null? Type
------------------------------- -------- ----
OWNER NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
CONSTRAINT_NAME NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
CONSTRAINT_TYPE VARCHAR2(1)
TABLE_NAME NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
SEARCH_CONDITION LONG
R_OWNER VARCHAR2(30)
R_CONSTRAINT_NAME VARCHAR2(30)
DELETE_RULE VARCHAR2(9)
STATUS VARCHAR2(8)
DEFERRABLE VARCHAR2(14)
DEFERRED VARCHAR2(9)
VALIDATED VARCHAR2(13)
GENERATED VARCHAR2(14)
BAD VARCHAR2(3)
LAST_CHANGE DATE

SQL> connect internal
Connected.
SQL> show user
USER is "SYS"
SQL> desc dba_constraints;
Name Null? Type
------------------------------- -------- ----
OWNER NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
CONSTRAINT_NAME NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
CONSTRAINT_TYPE VARCHAR2(1)
TABLE_NAME NOT NULL VARCHAR2(30)
SEARCH_CONDITION LONG
R_OWNER VARCHAR2(30)
R_CONSTRAINT_NAME VARCHAR2(30)
DELETE_RULE VARCHAR2(9)
STATUS VARCHAR2(8)
DEFERRABLE VARCHAR2(14)
DEFERRED VARCHAR2(9)
VALIDATED VARCHAR2(13)
GENERATED VARCHAR2(14)
BAD VARCHAR2(3)
LAST_CHANGE DATE

SQL>

Weird, I have no problem, I tried it on ver 8.0.4 and 8.1.7 with no problem.

MH

[indian2000]

Why it is not coming in my case. Is there any specific reason.
thanks MH
Murugs

[jmodic]

What release are you using? There was a known bug in earlier releases of 8.0 when using DESCRIBE command on public synonyms.

[Edited by jmodic on 03-01-2002 at 03:27 PM]

[indian2000]

oracle version 8.0.3.0.0, I agree with your point. Is my oracle version is older one.
thanks
Murugs