How does one select the TOP N rows from a table in Oracle?

Question

Its a very basic question but it would be good if anyone can answer with some explanations. When we type select * from dba_users; in sql plus it will show N rows selected and total records whereas when we type select * from employee it would show only records but not the total count.

Answer 1

SELECT *
FROM (SELECT * FROM my_table ORDER BY col_name_1 DESC)
WHERE ROWNUM < 10;