How to get column info from oracle table you don't own (without using describe)?

Question

Hi,

How would one get columns information on table which he doesn't own, but has select granted? This is, without using DESCRIBE table_name. Consider this example:

// user bob owns table STUDENTS
grant select on students to josh;
// now josh logs in, normally he would do
describe bob.students;
// but he's looking for something along the lines
select column_name from user_tab_columns where table_name = 'STUDENTS';
// which doesn't work, as josh doesn't own any tables on his own

Any ideas? Is this even doable?

Answer 1

select column_name from all_tab_columns where table_name = 'STUDENTS';

edit: or better

select owner, column_name from all_tab_columns where table_name = 'STUDENTS';

Answer 2

Have a look on oracle data dictionary, it should help.