# Content Assist

Content Assist presents a list of available syntax options when you edit SQL statements in the SQL Editor.

The list includes SQL language keywords, table names, table column names, built-in database functions and types, and local variables, among other syntax. You can access this list from your current cursor position. Based on the context of the current SQL syntax rules, the list filters syntax options no longer available to you as you enter SQL code.

There are two ways to invoke Content Assist:

- Manual invocation

  By default, this method uses the Eclipse Content Assist key sequence Ctrl+Space. You can customize the key sequence by modifying Eclipse preferences.

- Auto-invocation

  Pausing after typing the following characters displays the Content Assist options list:

  - A table name followed by a '.' period lists the column names of the table.

  - A database name followed by two '.' periods lists all the available table names in the database. For example, 'pubs2..'.

  - '@' displays a list of all in-scope local variables or parameters.

Related concepts
SQL Editor
SQL Files
Database Development Perspective
Related tasks
Editing a SQL File
Setting SQL Editor Preferences
Changing Content Assist Preferences
Creating a SQL File
Related reference
SQL Editor Preferences