Tochar usage in oracle

The TO_CHAR function converts an Oracle expression into a character value, formatting the output to suit your needs. Use a string template (format_mask) to define the format, including text characters, format modifiers, and placeholders. Format masks are case-sensitive, and placeholders require the correct format modifier.

Usage of TO_CHAR function in Oracle

The role of TO_CHAR function

# The ##TO_CHAR function converts the value of any expression into a character (string) value, allowing formatting and customized display of the data.

Syntax

<code>TO_CHAR(expression, format_mask)</code>

Parameters

expression: Any valid Oracle expression to be converted.
• format_mask: A string template that defines the format of character values.

Format Mask

The format mask is a special string that specifies the format of the output character value. It contains the following elements:

• Text characters: are displayed directly in the output.
• Format modifier: Control how the output value is formatted.
• Placeholder: represents a number or date/time part.

Usage Example

Convert a number to a string in a specific format:

<code>TO_CHAR(12345, '99,999')</code>

Output: 12,345

Convert date to readable format:

<code>TO_CHAR(SYSDATE, 'DD-MON-YYYY HH24:MI:SS')</code>

Output: 10-JAN-2023 14:35:12

Use placeholders characters to display numeric and decimal parts:

<code>TO_CHAR(12345.6789, '99,999.99')</code>

Output: 12,345.68

Use text characters as delimiters:

<code>TO_CHAR(12345, '99,999$" records"')</code>

Output: 12,345 records

Note

The format mask is case-sensitive.
• When using placeholders, the correct format modifier must be specified.
• TO_CHAR function does not modify the original value, it only returns a formatted string representation.

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