TO_CHAR (character)

Syntax

to_char_char::=

Description of the illustration to_char_char.eps

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.

See Also:

Appendix C in Oracle Database Globalization Support Guide for the collation derivation rules, which define the collation assigned to the character return value of this 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.
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