What is the difference between the ALL_TAB_COLUMNS
and ALL_TAB_COLS
system tables in Oracle 12c? In my DB, the ALL_TAB_COLUMNS has slightly fewer rows than ALL_TAB_COLS.
Asked
Active
Viewed 9,944 times
7

amphibient
- 29,770
- 54
- 146
- 240
2 Answers
13
From the Oracle manual for ALL_TAB_COLS
This view differs from "ALL_TAB_COLUMNS" in that system-generated hidden columns and invisible columns, which are user-generated hidden columns, are not filtered out.
From the Oracle manual for ALL_TAB_COLUMNS
This view filters out system-generated hidden columns and invisible columns, which are user-generated hidden columns. The ALL_TAB_COLS view does not filter out hidden columns and invisible columns
0
ALL_TAB_COLUMNS lists only user-defined columns whereas ALL_TAB_COLS also seems to contain some system columns in each user table that are not normally visible.

amphibient
- 29,770
- 54
- 146
- 240