Obtaining a list of all databases via SQL

[davey23uk]

but really the question - how can i tell what databases are on my server, only arises when it isn't properly managed. Or you have taken over management and not got any docs or anyone who knows

[marist89]

That is absolutely true.

[thomasp]

I know this is not sql but in unix, you could do a
ps -ef |grep oracle - this will show all the oracle database processes running
or even still
ps -ef |grep smon

[davey23uk]

and 2 of my databases are shut down - but they are still there?

Or I could even have an instance but no database

[KenEwald]

Can we all agree that if we were required to use SQLPLUS ONLY to determine the databases on a system, we'd ask for our coat and hat.

(and recommend they use sql server?)

Maybe we should just let this thread unravel. It was good, stimulating thought.

[davey23uk]

deal