Invalid Identifier error while using standard_hash function in Oracle 11g? Don’t Panic, We’ve Got You Covered!

Are you stuck with the infamous “Invalid Identifier” error while trying to use the standard_hash function in Oracle 11g? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Oracle 11g and standard_hash, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and resolve this pesky error once and for all.

What is the standard_hash function?

Before we dive into the error, let’s quickly cover what the standard_hash function does. The standard_hash function is a built-in Oracle function that generates a hash value for a given string. It’s commonly used in data encryption, data masking, and data scrambling. The function takes a string as input and returns a hexadecimal string representing the hash value.

SELECT STANDARD_HASH('Hello, World!', 'SHA256') FROM DUAL;

The Invalid Identifier Error: What’s Going On?

So, you’re trying to use the standard_hash function, but Oracle 11g is throwing an “Invalid Identifier” error at you. This error occurs when Oracle can’t find the specified function or identifier. In this case, it’s likely that Oracle can’t find the standard_hash function.

SELECT * FROM DUAL
WHERE STANDARD_HASH('Hello, World!', 'SHA256') = 'hashed_value';

ORA-00904: "STANDARD_HASH": invalid identifier

Reasons Behind the Error

There are a few possible reasons why you’re encountering this error:

• Oracle version: The standard_hash function was introduced in Oracle 12c. If you’re using Oracle 11g, you won’t have access to this function.
• Function not installed: The standard_hash function might not be installed or enabled in your Oracle database.
• Typo or incorrect syntax: A simple typo or incorrect syntax can also cause the “Invalid Identifier” error.
• Privilege issues: You might not have the necessary privileges to use the standard_hash function.

Troubleshooting and Resolution

Now that we’ve identified the possible causes, let’s troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Check Your Oracle Version

First, check your Oracle version. If you’re using Oracle 11g, you won’t be able to use the standard_hash function. You can check your version by running the following query:

SELECT * FROM V$VERSION;

If you’re stuck with Oracle 11g, you can consider upgrading to a newer version or using alternative hashing functions like DBMS_CRYPTO or ORA_HASH.

Install or Enable the Standard_Hash Function

If you’re using Oracle 12c or later, ensure that the standard_hash function is installed and enabled. You can check if the function exists by running the following query:

SELECT OBJECT_NAME
FROM ALL_OBJECTS
WHERE OBJECT_NAME = 'STANDARD_HASH';

If the function doesn’t exist, you can install it by running the following script:

BEGIN
  DBMS_DDL_ALTER_COMPILE.package_name := 'SYS.STANDARD';
  DBMS_DDL_ALTER_COMPILE.procedure_name := 'STANDARD_HASH';
  DBMS_DDL_ALTER_COMPILE.recompile := TRUE;
END;

Check for Typos and Incorrect Syntax

Double-check your code for any typos or incorrect syntax. Ensure that the function name is correctly spelled, and the parameters are in the correct order.

SELECT STANDARD_HASH('Hello, World!', 'SHA256') FROM DUAL;

Check Privileges

Verify that you have the necessary privileges to use the standard_hash function. You can check your privileges by running the following query:

SELECT * FROM SESSION_PRIVS WHERE PRIVILEGE = 'EXECUTE';

If you don’t have the necessary privileges, you can grant them to your user using the following command:

GRANT EXECUTE ON SYS.STANDARD TO your_username;

Alternatives to Standard_Hash

If you’re stuck with Oracle 11g or can’t use the standard_hash function for some reason, there are alternative hashing functions you can use:

DBMS_CRYPTO

The DBMS_CRYPTO package provides a range of hashing algorithms, including SHA-256. You can use it as follows:

DECLARE
  input_string  VARCHAR2(200) := 'Hello, World!';
  hash_value    RAW(32);
BEGIN
  hash_value := DBMS_CRYPTO.HASH(input_string, DBMS_CRYPTO.HASH_SHA256);
  DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE('Hash Value: ' || RAWTOHEX(hash_value));
END;

ORA_HASH

The ORA_HASH function is another built-in Oracle function that generates a hash value for a given string. It’s not as secure as the standard_hash function, but it’s a viable alternative:

SELECT ORA_HASH('Hello, World!') FROM DUAL;

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve covered the “Invalid Identifier” error that occurs when using the standard_hash function in Oracle 11g. We’ve identified the possible reasons behind the error and provided troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. Additionally, we’ve discussed alternative hashing functions you can use if you’re stuck with Oracle 11g or can’t use the standard_hash function.

Remember, troubleshooting is an art, and sometimes it takes a little creativity and patience to resolve issues. If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Oracle community or seek help from a certified Oracle professional.

Happy troubleshooting!

Function	Description
STANDARD_HASH	Generates a hash value for a given string using a specified algorithm.
DBMS_CRYPTO.HASH	Generates a hash value for a given string using a specified algorithm.
ORA_HASH	Generates a hash value for a given string using a proprietary algorithm.

Oracle 11g is an old version, and it’s recommended to upgrade to a newer version for better performance, security, and feature support. If you’re unable to upgrade, using alternative hashing functions can help you achieve your goals.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful in resolving your “Invalid Identifier” error. If you have any further questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to leave a comment below!

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