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Oracle® Database SQL Reference 10g Release 2 (10.2) Part Number B14200-02 |
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# TO_CHAR (character)

Syntax

to_char_char::=

Description of the illustration to_char_char.gif

Purpose

`TO_CHAR` (character) converts `NCHAR`, `NVARCHAR2`, `CLOB`, or `NCLOB` data to the database character set. The value returned is always `VARCHAR2`.

When you use this function to convert a character LOB into the database character set, if the LOB value to be converted is larger than the target type, then the database returns an error.

You can use this function in conjunction with any of the XML functions to generate a date in the database format rather than the XML Schema standard format.

See Also: Oracle XML DB Developer's Guide for information about formatting of XML dates and timestamps, including examples "XML Functions" for a listing of the XML function

Examples

The following example interprets a simple string as character data:

    SELECT TO_CHAR('01110') FROM DUAL;

    TO_CH
    -----
    01110

Compare this example with the first example for TO_CHAR (number).

The following example converts some `CLOB` data from the `pm.print_media` table to the database character set:

    SELECT TO_CHAR(ad_sourcetext) FROM print_media
          WHERE product_id = 2268;

    TO_CHAR(AD_SOURCETEXT)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------
    ******************************
    TIGER2 2268...Standard Hayes Compatible Modem
    Product ID: 2268
    The #1 selling modem in the universe! Tiger2's modem includes call management
    and Internet voicing. Make real-time full duplex phone calls at the same time
    you're online.
    **********************************