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ORACLE Conversion Functions

ORACLE

Oracle SQL has several conversion functions that explicitly convert data from one type to another.

ORACLE Conversion Functions


➔ Primary Oracle Conversion Functions:

  • TO_CHAR: Converts a number or date value to a character string with optional formatting.
  • TO_NUMBER: Converts a character string to a numeric value with optional formatting.
  • TO_DATE: Converts a character string to a date value with the required formatting.
  • CAST: Converts a value from one data type to another data type.
Syntax
TO_CHAR(value [, format_mask] [, nls_language])

➔ value: The number, date, or timestamp to convert.

➔ format_mask: (optional) Specifies the output format.

➔ nls_language: (optional) Specifies characters or symbols for a specific region.

Example: TO_CHAR with Date
SELECT TO_CHAR(SYSDATE, 'DD-MON-YYYY') FROM DUAL;
Example:TO_CHAR with Timestamps
SELECT TO_CHAR(SYSTIMESTAMP, 'YYYY-MM-DD HH:MI:SS.FF3 TZR') FROM DUAL;
Example:TO_CHAR with Numbers
/* with a separator (comma) */
SELECT TO_CHAR(12345.67, '99,999.99') FROM DUAL;

/* Adds leading zeros */
SELECT TO_CHAR(123, '00000') FROM DUAL;