Syntax options: FROM statement-string FROM parameter Specifies the SQL statement to be prepared for dynamic execution. You either specify the statement string directly enclosed in single quotation marks, or in a parameter (a host language variable in a precompiled PREPARE statement or a formal parameter in a PREPARE statement that is part of an SQL module language procedure) that contains the statement string. Whether specified directly or by a parameter, the statement string must be a character string that is a dynamically executable SQL statement. If you specify the statement string directly, the maximum length is 1,024 characters. If you specify the statement string as a parameter, the maximum length of the statement string is 65,535 characters. The form for the statement is the same as for embedded SQL statements, except that: o You must not begin the string with EXEC SQL. o In places where SQL allows host language variables in an embedded statement, you must specify parameter markers instead. If you try to prepare an invalid statement, you will find a value in the SQLCODE, the SQLCODE field of the SQLCA, or the SQLSTATE status parameter indicating an error. The values returned to the SQLCODE field are described in the Oracle Rdb SQL Reference Manual. Check the message vector to see which error message was returned. If necessary, refer to the error message explanations and user actions located by default in the SQL HELP ERRORS. Parameter markers are question marks (?) that denote parameters in the statement string of a PREPARE statement. Parameter markers are replaced by values in parameters or dynamic memory when the prepared statement is executed by an EXECUTE or OPEN statement.