# SQL Files

SQL files provide a convenient way to store SQL code for reuse in a project, such as creating complex procedural objects.

You can group related SQL statements into a project and use Content Assist tools to add to or modify the contents. The SQL Editor allows off-line mode for SQL files, so you can work on SQL code development without connecting to a database and attach to a database only for deployment or execution. You can also save a procedural object definition as a SQL file.

Unlike stored procedures, SQL files have the following characteristics:

- SQL Files do not have a parameter passing mechanism.

- SQL Files can contain a much larger subset of SQL statements or commands.

- Stored procedures reside on the database servers, whereas SQL files reside in the file system or in Eclipse where they are grouped under projects.

- A stored procedure must contain valid SQL syntax and conform to database rules, whereas a SQL file is not subject to these constraints until its executed.

Related concepts
SQL Editor
Content Assist
Database Development Perspective
Related tasks
Creating a SQL File
Opening a SQL File
Editing a SQL File
Saving a SQL File
Executing a SQL File
Setting SQL Editor Preferences
Related reference
SQL Editor Preferences