---
title: "OPEN"
id: ecpg-sql-open
pg_version: "20devel"
---

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# OPEN — open a dynamic cursor

## Synopsis

```
OPEN cursor_name
OPEN cursor_name USING value [, ... ]
OPEN cursor_name USING SQL DESCRIPTOR descriptor_name
```

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## Description

`OPEN` opens a cursor and optionally binds actual values to the placeholders in the cursor's declaration. The cursor must previously have been declared with the `DECLARE` command. The execution of `OPEN` causes the query to start executing on the server. 

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## Parameters

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**`cursor_name`**

 The name of the cursor to be opened. This can be an SQL identifier or a host variable. <a id="ecpg-sql-open-value"></a>

**`value`**

 A value to be bound to a placeholder in the cursor. This can be an SQL constant, a host variable, or a host variable with indicator. <a id="ecpg-sql-open-descriptor-name"></a>

**`descriptor_name`**

 The name of a descriptor containing values to be bound to the placeholders in the cursor. This can be an SQL identifier or a host variable. <a id="id-1.7.5.20.12.5"></a>

## Examples


EXEC SQL OPEN a;
EXEC SQL OPEN d USING 1, 'test';
EXEC SQL OPEN c1 USING SQL DESCRIPTOR mydesc;
EXEC SQL OPEN :curname1;
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## Compatibility

`OPEN` is specified in the SQL standard. 

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## See Also

[DECLARE](ecpg-sql-declare.md), [CLOSE](sql-close.md)