Solving the Frustrating Oracle Error: WaitCursor.hide called without matching WaitCursor.show in SQL Developer

Are you tired of encountering the annoying “WaitCursor.hide called without matching WaitCursor.show” error when compiling stored procedures in Oracle SQL Developer? You’re not alone! This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a critical project deadline. But fear not, dear developer, for we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Oracle stored procedures, exploring the causes of this pesky error and providing clear, step-by-step instructions to resolve it once and for all.

What is the WaitCursor Error?

The WaitCursor.error is an Oracle SQL Developer error that occurs when the WaitCursor.hide method is called without a matching WaitCursor.show call. This error typically occurs when compiling stored procedures, and it can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re new to Oracle development.

Why Does the WaitCursor Error Occur?

There are several reasons why the WaitCursor error might occur, including:

• Incorrect syntax: One of the most common causes of the WaitCursor error is incorrect syntax in your stored procedure code. A single misplaced or missing character can trigger this error.
• Missing or duplicate WaitCursor calls: If you forget to call WaitCursor.show before WaitCursor.hide, or if you call WaitCursor.show multiple times without a corresponding WaitCursor.hide, you’ll encounter this error.
• Oracle version compatibility issues: In some cases, the WaitCursor error can occur due to compatibility issues between different Oracle versions. If you’re using an older version of Oracle, you might encounter this error.

Solving the WaitCursor Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve covered the causes of the WaitCursor error, let’s dive into the solutions. Follow these step-by-step instructions to resolve the error and get back to compiling your stored procedures with ease:

Step 1: Review Your Code

The first step in resolving the WaitCursor error is to review your code carefully. Take a close look at your stored procedure code, paying attention to syntax, indentation, and formatting.

CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE my_procedure AS
  BEGIN
    -- Your code here
    WAITCURSOR.SHOW;
    -- More code here
    WAITCURSOR.HIDE;
  EXCEPTION
    WHEN OTHERS THEN
      -- Error handling code
  END my_procedure;

In the example above, notice the correct syntax and formatting. Make sure your code looks similar, with the WaitCursor.show and WaitCursor.hide calls in the correct locations.

Step 2: Check for Duplicate or Missing WaitCursor Calls

Next, ensure that you don’t have duplicate or missing WaitCursor calls in your code. Check for any instances of WaitCursor.show or WaitCursor.hide being called multiple times without a corresponding call.

CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE my_procedure AS
  BEGIN
    WAITCURSOR.SHOW;
    -- Code here
    WAITCURSOR.SHOW; -- Duplicate call!
    -- More code here
    WAITCURSOR.HIDE;
  EXCEPTION
    WHEN OTHERS THEN
      -- Error handling code
  END my_procedure;

In the example above, we have a duplicate WaitCursor.show call, which will trigger the WaitCursor error. Remove any unnecessary calls to ensure that you have a matching WaitCursor.show and WaitCursor.hide.

Step 3: Verify Oracle Version Compatibility

If you’re using an older version of Oracle, you might encounter compatibility issues that trigger the WaitCursor error. Check your Oracle version and ensure that it’s compatible with the WaitCursor functionality.

Oracle Version	WaitCursor Compatibility
Oracle 11g	Compatible
Oracle 12c	Compatible
Oracle 18c	Compatible
Oracle 19c	Compatible

In the table above, we can see that Oracle versions 11g and later are compatible with the WaitCursor functionality. If you’re using an earlier version, you might need to upgrade to a compatible version.

Step 4: Clean up Your Code

Finally, clean up your code by removing any unnecessary or commented-out lines. This will help you identify any remaining issues and ensure that your code is concise and easy to read.

CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE my_procedure AS
  BEGIN
    -- Remove unnecessary comments and code
    WAITCURSOR.SHOW;
    -- Code here
    WAITCURSOR.HIDE;
  EXCEPTION
    WHEN OTHERS THEN
      -- Error handling code
  END my_procedure;

Best Practices to Avoid the WaitCursor Error

To avoid the WaitCursor error altogether, follow these best practices:

1. Use consistent syntax and formatting: Keep your code clean and consistent, using proper indentation and formatting to avoid syntax errors.
2. Use meaningful variable names: Avoid using generic or confusing variable names, which can lead to mistakes and errors.
3. Test your code frequently: Test your code regularly to catch any errors or issues before they become major problems.
4. Keep your Oracle version up-to-date: Ensure that you’re using a compatible version of Oracle to avoid version-related issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the WaitCursor error is a frustrating but solvable issue in Oracle SQL Developer. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve the error, getting back to compiling your stored procedures with ease. Remember to review your code, check for duplicate or missing WaitCursor calls, verify Oracle version compatibility, and clean up your code to avoid the WaitCursor error. By following best practices and staying vigilant, you can avoid this error altogether and focus on building efficient, effective Oracle stored procedures.

So, the next time you encounter the WaitCursor error, don’t panic! Take a deep breath, follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be back to writing error-free code in no time.

Frequently Asked Question

Are you tired of encountering errors when compiling stored procedures in Oracle? Worry no more! Here are some common questions and answers to help you troubleshoot the issue.