Oracle PL/SQL/Char Functions/NVL

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Accommodate the datatype difference by placing a TO_CHAR function around the LAST_STOCK_DATE

  
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE product (
  2       product_name     VARCHAR2(25),
  3       product_price    NUMBER(4,2),
  4       quantity_on_hand NUMBER(5,0),
  5       last_stock_date  DATE);
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Small Widget", 99, 1, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Medium Widget", 75, 1000, "15-JAN-02");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Product Number", 50, 100, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Round Church Station", 25, 10000, null);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> SELECT product_name,
  2         NVL(TO_CHAR(last_stock_date), "N/A") "Last Stocked"
  3  FROM   product;
PRODUCT_NAME              Last Stoc
------------------------- ---------
Small Widget              15-JAN-03
Medium Widget             15-JAN-02
Product Number            15-JAN-03
Round Church Station      N/A
SQL>
SQL> DROP TABLE product;
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>



Combine nvl and to_char

  
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE EMP (EMPNO NUMBER(4) NOT NULL,
  2                    ENAME VARCHAR2(10),
  3                    JOB VARCHAR2(9),
  4                    MGR NUMBER(4),
  5                    HIREDATE DATE,
  6                    SAL NUMBER(7, 2),
  7                    COMM NUMBER(7, 2),
  8                    DEPTNO NUMBER(2));
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7369, "SMITH", "CLERK",    7902, TO_DATE("17-DEC-1980", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 800, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7499, "ALLEN", "SALESMAN", 7698, TO_DATE("20-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1600, 300, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7521, "WARD",  "SALESMAN", 7698, TO_DATE("22-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250, 500, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7566, "JONES", "MANAGER",  7839, TO_DATE("2-APR-1981",  "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2975, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7654, "MARTIN", "SALESMAN", 7698,TO_DATE("28-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250, 1400, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7698, "BLAKE", "MANAGER", 7839,TO_DATE("1-MAY-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2850, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7782, "CLARK", "MANAGER", 7839,TO_DATE("9-JUN-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2450, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7788, "SCOTT", "ANALYST", 7566,TO_DATE("09-DEC-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7839, "KING", "PRESIDENT", NULL,TO_DATE("17-NOV-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 5000, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7844, "TURNER", "SALESMAN", 7698,TO_DATE("8-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1500, 0, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7876, "ADAMS", "CLERK", 7788,TO_DATE("12-JAN-1983", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1100, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7900, "JAMES", "CLERK", 7698,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 950, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7902, "FORD", "ANALYST", 7566,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7934, "MILLER", "CLERK", 7782,TO_DATE("23-JAN-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1300, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE DEPT (DEPTNO NUMBER(2),DNAME VARCHAR2(14),LOC VARCHAR2(13) );
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO DEPT VALUES (10, "ACCOUNTING", "NEW YORK");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO DEPT VALUES (20, "RESEARCH", "DALLAS");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO DEPT VALUES (30, "SALES", "CHICAGO");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO DEPT VALUES (40, "OPERATIONS", "BOSTON");
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> select nvl( to_char(mgr), "NULL" ) mgr
  2        from emp
  3       where ename = "KING";
MGR
----------------------------------------
NULL
SQL>
SQL> drop table emp cascade constraints;
Table dropped.
SQL> drop table dept cascade constraints;
Table dropped.
SQL>



NVL() deals with date value

 

SQL> -- create demo table
SQL> create table Employee(
  2    ID                 VARCHAR2(4 BYTE)         NOT NULL,
  3    First_Name         VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  4    Last_Name          VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  5    Start_Date         DATE,
  6    End_Date           DATE,
  7    Salary             Number(8,2),
  8    City               VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  9    Description        VARCHAR2(15 BYTE)
 10  )
 11  /
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> -- prepare data
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2               values ("01","Jason",    "Martin",  to_date("19960725","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("20060725","YYYYMMDD"), 1234.56, "Toronto",  "Programmer")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("02","Alison",   "Mathews", to_date("19760321","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19860221","YYYYMMDD"), 6661.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("03","James",    "Smith",   to_date("19781212","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19900315","YYYYMMDD"), 6544.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("04","Celia",    "Rice",    to_date("19821024","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19990421","YYYYMMDD"), 2344.78, "Vancouver","Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("05","Robert",   "Black",   to_date("19840115","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980808","YYYYMMDD"), 2334.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("06","Linda",    "Green",   to_date("19870730","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19960104","YYYYMMDD"), 4322.78,"New York",  "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("07","David",    "Larry",   to_date("19901231","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980212","YYYYMMDD"), 7897.78,"New York",  "Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("08","James",    "Cat",     NULL                          , to_date("20020415","YYYYMMDD"), 1232.78,"Vancouver", "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- display data in the table
SQL> select * from Employee
  2  /
ID   FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME  START_DAT END_DATE      SALARY CITY       DESCRIPTION
---- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
01   Jason      Martin     25-JUL-96 25-JUL-06    1234.56 Toronto    Programmer
02   Alison     Mathews    21-MAR-76 21-FEB-86    6661.78 Vancouver  Tester
03   James      Smith      12-DEC-78 15-MAR-90    6544.78 Vancouver  Tester
04   Celia      Rice       24-OCT-82 21-APR-99    2344.78 Vancouver  Manager
05   Robert     Black      15-JAN-84 08-AUG-98    2334.78 Vancouver  Tester
06   Linda      Green      30-JUL-87 04-JAN-96    4322.78 New York   Tester
07   David      Larry      31-DEC-90 12-FEB-98    7897.78 New York   Manager
08   James      Cat                  15-APR-02    1232.78 Vancouver  Tester
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- NVL(): convert a null to a known value. NVL(x, value) returns value if x is null; 
--otherwise, x is returned.
SQL>
SQL> SELECT id, NVL(start_date, to_date("20020101","YYYYMMDD")) FROM employee;
ID   NVL(START
---- ---------
01   25-JUL-96
02   21-MAR-76
03   12-DEC-78
04   24-OCT-82
05   15-JAN-84
06   30-JUL-87
07   31-DEC-90
08   01-JAN-02
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- clean the table
SQL> drop table Employee
  2  /
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>



nvl( e2.ename, "NO BOSS! PARTY TIME!" )

  
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE EMP
  2  (EMPNO NUMBER(4) NOT NULL,
  3   ENAME VARCHAR2(10),
  4   JOB VARCHAR2(9),
  5   MGR NUMBER(4),
  6   HIREDATE DATE,
  7   SAL NUMBER(7, 2),
  8   COMM NUMBER(7, 2),
  9   DEPTNO NUMBER(2)
 10  );
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7369, "SMITH",  "CLERK",     7902,TO_DATE("17-DEC-1980", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  800, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7499, "ALLEN",  "SALESMAN",  7698,TO_DATE("20-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1600,  300, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7521, "WARD",   "SALESMAN",  7698,TO_DATE("22-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250,  500, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7566, "JONES",  "MANAGER",   7839,TO_DATE("2-APR-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  2975, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7654, "MARTIN", "SALESMAN",  7698,TO_DATE("28-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250, 1400, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7698, "BLAKE",  "MANAGER",   7839,TO_DATE("1-MAY-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  2850, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7782, "CLARK",  "MANAGER",   7839,TO_DATE("9-JUN-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  2450, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7788, "SCOTT",  "ANALYST",   7566,TO_DATE("09-DEC-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7839, "KING",   "PRESIDENT", NULL,TO_DATE("17-NOV-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 5000, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7844, "TURNER", "SALESMAN",  7698,TO_DATE("8-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  1500,    0, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7876, "ADAMS",  "CLERK",     7788,TO_DATE("12-JAN-1983", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1100, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7900, "JAMES",  "CLERK",     7698,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),   950, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7902, "FORD",   "ANALYST",   7566,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"),  3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7934, "MILLER", "CLERK",     7782,TO_DATE("23-JAN-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1300, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>  select e.ename, nvl( e2.ename, "NO BOSS! PARTY TIME!" ) "MGR"
  2      from emp e, emp e2
  3     where e.mgr = e2.empno(+)
  4    /
ENAME      MGR
---------- --------------------
FORD       JONES
SCOTT      JONES
JAMES      BLAKE
TURNER     BLAKE
MARTIN     BLAKE
WARD       BLAKE
ALLEN      BLAKE
MILLER     CLARK
ADAMS      SCOTT
CLARK      KING
BLAKE      KING
JONES      KING
SMITH      FORD
KING       NO BOSS! PARTY TIME!
14 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL> drop table emp;
Table dropped.
SQL> --



NVL: Provide default value for NULL

 

SQL> -- create demo table
SQL> create table Employee(
  2    ID                 VARCHAR2(4 BYTE)         NOT NULL,
  3    First_Name         VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  4    Last_Name          VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  5    Start_Date         DATE,
  6    End_Date           DATE,
  7    Salary             Number(8,2),
  8    City               VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  9    Description        VARCHAR2(15 BYTE)
 10  )
 11  /
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> -- prepare data
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2               values ("01","Jason",    "Martin",  to_date("19960725","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("20060725","YYYYMMDD"), 1234.56, "Toronto",  "Programmer")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("02","Alison",   "Mathews", to_date("19760321","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19860221","YYYYMMDD"), 6661.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("03","James",    "Smith",   to_date("19781212","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19900315","YYYYMMDD"), 6544.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("04","Celia",    "Rice",    to_date("19821024","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19990421","YYYYMMDD"), 2344.78, "Vancouver","Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("05","Robert",   "Black",   to_date("19840115","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980808","YYYYMMDD"), 2334.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("06","Linda",    "Green",   to_date("19870730","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19960104","YYYYMMDD"), 4322.78,"New York",  "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("07","David",    "Larry",   to_date("19901231","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980212","YYYYMMDD"), 7897.78,"New York",  "Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("08","James",    "Cat",     NULL                            , to_date("20020415","YYYYMMDD"), 1232.78,"Vancouver", "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- display data in the table
SQL> select * from Employee
  2  /
ID   FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME  START_DAT END_DATE      SALARY CITY       DESCRIPTION
---- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
01   Jason      Martin     25-JUL-96 25-JUL-06    1234.56 Toronto    Programmer
02   Alison     Mathews    21-MAR-76 21-FEB-86    6661.78 Vancouver  Tester
03   James      Smith      12-DEC-78 15-MAR-90    6544.78 Vancouver  Tester
04   Celia      Rice       24-OCT-82 21-APR-99    2344.78 Vancouver  Manager
05   Robert     Black      15-JAN-84 08-AUG-98    2334.78 Vancouver  Tester
06   Linda      Green      30-JUL-87 04-JAN-96    4322.78 New York   Tester
07   David      Larry      31-DEC-90 12-FEB-98    7897.78 New York   Manager
08   James      Cat                  15-APR-02    1232.78 Vancouver  Tester
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> SELECT ID, NVL(Start_Date, to_Date("20000202","YYYYMMDD")) FROM Employee;
ID   NVL(START
---- ---------
01   25-JUL-96
02   21-MAR-76
03   12-DEC-78
04   24-OCT-82
05   15-JAN-84
06   30-JUL-87
07   31-DEC-90
08   02-FEB-00
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL> -- clean the table
SQL> drop table Employee
  2  /
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>



NVL: Returns a substitute (some other value) if a value is null

 
SQL>
SQL> -- create demo table
SQL> create table TestTable(
  2    ID                 VARCHAR2(4 BYTE)         NOT NULL,
  3    MyName             VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  4    MyDate             DATE,
  5    MyNumber           Number(8,2)
  6  )
  7  /
Table created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> insert into TestTable (ID, MyName, MyDate, MyNumber) values("1","Alison",to_date("19960711","YYYYMMDD"),12.12);
1 row created.
SQL> insert into TestTable (ID, MyName, MyDate, MyNumber) values("2","Jason",to_date("19970622","YYYYMMDD"),-12.12);
1 row created.
SQL> insert into TestTable (ID, MyName, MyDate, MyNumber) values("3","Smith",to_date("19980513","YYYYMMDD"),22.1);
1 row created.
SQL> insert into TestTable (ID, MyName, MyDate, MyNumber) values("4","Tailor",to_date("19990624","YYYYMMDD"),-2.12);
1 row created.
SQL> insert into TestTable (ID, MyName, MyDate, MyNumber) values("5","Darlene",to_date("20000415","YYYYMMDD"),NULL);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> select * from TestTable;
ID   MYNAME     MYDATE      MYNUMBER
---- ---------- --------- ----------
1    Alison     11-JUL-96      12.12
2    Jason      22-JUN-97     -12.12
3    Smith      13-MAY-98       22.1
4    Tailor     24-JUN-99      -2.12
5    Darlene    15-APR-00
SQL>
SQL> --  NVL: Returns a substitute (some other value) if a value is null.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> SELECT MyNumber, NVL(MyNumber, 10) From TestTable;
  MYNUMBER NVL(MYNUMBER,10)
---------- ----------------
     12.12            12.12
    -12.12           -12.12
      22.1             22.1
     -2.12            -2.12
                         10
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> drop table TestTable;
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>



NVL: Supply an NVL default that is of a different datatype

 

SQL>
SQL> -- create demo table
SQL> create table Employee(
  2    ID                 VARCHAR2(4 BYTE)         NOT NULL,
  3    First_Name         VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  4    Last_Name          VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  5    Start_Date         DATE,
  6    End_Date           DATE,
  7    Salary             Number(8,2),
  8    City               VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  9    Description        VARCHAR2(15 BYTE)
 10  )
 11  /
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> -- prepare data
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2               values ("01","Jason",    "Martin",  to_date("19960725","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("20060725","YYYYMMDD"), 1234.56, "Toronto",  "Programmer")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("02","Alison",   "Mathews", to_date("19760321","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19860221","YYYYMMDD"), 6661.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("03","James",    "Smith",   to_date("19781212","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19900315","YYYYMMDD"), 6544.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("04","Celia",    "Rice",    to_date("19821024","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19990421","YYYYMMDD"), 2344.78, "Vancouver","Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("05","Robert",   "Black",   to_date("19840115","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980808","YYYYMMDD"), 2334.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("06","Linda",    "Green",   to_date("19870730","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19960104","YYYYMMDD"), 4322.78,"New York",  "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("07","David",    "Larry",   to_date("19901231","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980212","YYYYMMDD"), 7897.78,"New York",  "Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("08","James",    "Cat",     NULL, to_date("20020415","YYYYMMDD"), 1232.78,"Vancouver", NULL)
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- display data in the table
SQL> select * from Employee
  2  /
ID   FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME  START_DAT END_DATE      SALARY CITY       DESCRIPTION
---- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
01   Jason      Martin     25-JUL-96 25-JUL-06    1234.56 Toronto    Programmer
02   Alison     Mathews    21-MAR-76 21-FEB-86    6661.78 Vancouver  Tester
03   James      Smith      12-DEC-78 15-MAR-90    6544.78 Vancouver  Tester
04   Celia      Rice       24-OCT-82 21-APR-99    2344.78 Vancouver  Manager
05   Robert     Black      15-JAN-84 08-AUG-98    2334.78 Vancouver  Tester
06   Linda      Green      30-JUL-87 04-JAN-96    4322.78 New York   Tester
07   David      Larry      31-DEC-90 12-FEB-98    7897.78 New York   Manager
08   James      Cat                  15-APR-02    1232.78 Vancouver
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL> --Supply an NVL default that is of a different datatype:
SQL>
SQL> SELECT ID, NVL(Description, "No Input") FROM Employee;
ID   NVL(DESCRIPTION
---- ---------------
01   Programmer
02   Tester
03   Tester
04   Manager
05   Tester
06   Tester
07   Manager
08   No Input
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- clean the table
SQL> drop table Employee
  2  /
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>



select nvl( "", "Yes """" is null" ) "Evaluate"

  
SQL>
SQL>  select nvl( "", "Yes """" is null" ) "Evaluate"
  2      from dual
  3    /
Evaluate
--------------
Yes "" is null
1 row selected.
SQL>
SQL> --



This will fail, because the datatypes of the two arguments are different

  
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE product (
  2       product_name     VARCHAR2(25),
  3       product_price    NUMBER(4,2),
  4       quantity_on_hand NUMBER(5,0),
  5       last_stock_date  DATE);
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Small Widget", 99, 1, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Medium Widget", 75, 1000, "15-JAN-02");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Product Number", 50, 100, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Round Church Station", 25, 10000, null);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL> SELECT product_name,
  2         NVL(last_stock_date, "N/A") "Last Stocked"
  3  FROM   product;
       NVL(last_stock_date, "N/A") "Last Stocked"
                            *
ERROR at line 2:
ORA-01858: a non-numeric character was found where a numeric was expected

SQL>
SQL> DROP TABLE product;
Table dropped.
SQL>



Use Nvl function in math calculation for null value

 
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE emp (
  2    emp_id               NUMBER,
  3    ename             VARCHAR2(40),
  4    hire_date        DATE DEFAULT sysdate,
  5    end_date DATE,
  6    rate     NUMBER(5,2),
  7    CONSTRAINT emp_pk    PRIMARY KEY (emp_id)
  8  );
Table created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (101, "Mary", to_date("15-Nov-1961","dd-mon-yyyy"),null,169);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (102, "Tom", to_date("16-Sep-1964","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("5-May-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),135);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (104, "Peter", to_date("29-Dec-1987","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("1-Apr-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),99);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (105, "Mike", to_date("15-Jun-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),null,121);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (107, "Less", to_date("2-Jan-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),null,45);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (108, "Park", to_date("1-Mar-1994","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("15-Nov-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),220);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (110, "Ink", to_date("4-Apr-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("30-Sep-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),84);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (111, "Tike", to_date("23-Aug-1976","dd-mon-yyyy"),null,100);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (112, "Inn", to_date("15-Nov-1961","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("4-Apr-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),70);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO emp(emp_id, ename, hire_date,end_date, rate)VALUES (113, "Kate", to_date("3-Mar-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),to_date("31-Oct-2004","dd-mon-yyyy"),300);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> SET ECHO ON
SQL> SELECT ename, NVL(rate,0) billing_rate,
  2         NVL(rate,0) + 100 increased_rate
  3  FROM emp
  4  WHERE emp_id IN (113, 116);
Kate                        300
           400

1 row selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> drop table emp;
Table dropped.



Use nvl in a function

  
SQL>
SQL> create or replace function total_compensation(
  2    p_salary number,
  3    p_commission number ) return number
  4  deterministic as
  5  begin
  6    return nvl(p_salary,0) + nvl(p_commission,0);
  7  end total_compensation;
  8  /
Function created.
SQL>
SQL> select total_compensation(1,2) from dual;
TOTAL_COMPENSATION(1,2)
-----------------------
                      3
SQL>



Use NVL to check nullment in PL/SQL

  
SQL> CREATE TABLE EMP (EMPNO NUMBER(4) NOT NULL,
  2                    ENAME VARCHAR2(10),
  3                    JOB VARCHAR2(9),
  4                    MGR NUMBER(4),
  5                    HIREDATE DATE,
  6                    SAL NUMBER(7, 2),
  7                    COMM NUMBER(7, 2),
  8                    DEPTNO NUMBER(2));
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7369, "SMITH", "CLERK",    7902, TO_DATE("17-DEC-1980", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 800, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7499, "ALLEN", "SALESMAN", 7698, TO_DATE("20-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1600, 300, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7521, "WARD",  "SALESMAN", 7698, TO_DATE("22-FEB-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250, 500, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7566, "JONES", "MANAGER",  7839, TO_DATE("2-APR-1981",  "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2975, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7654, "MARTIN", "SALESMAN", 7698,TO_DATE("28-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1250, 1400, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7698, "BLAKE", "MANAGER", 7839,TO_DATE("1-MAY-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2850, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7782, "CLARK", "MANAGER", 7839,TO_DATE("9-JUN-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 2450, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7788, "SCOTT", "ANALYST", 7566,TO_DATE("09-DEC-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7839, "KING", "PRESIDENT", NULL,TO_DATE("17-NOV-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 5000, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7844, "TURNER", "SALESMAN", 7698,TO_DATE("8-SEP-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1500, 0, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7876, "ADAMS", "CLERK", 7788,TO_DATE("12-JAN-1983", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1100, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7900, "JAMES", "CLERK", 7698,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 950, NULL, 30);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7902, "FORD", "ANALYST", 7566,TO_DATE("3-DEC-1981", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 3000, NULL, 20);
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO EMP VALUES (7934, "MILLER", "CLERK", 7782,TO_DATE("23-JAN-1982", "DD-MON-YYYY"), 1300, NULL, 10);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL> DECLARE
  2     lv_customer_name_txt emp.ename%TYPE;
  3     lv_temp_txt          VARCHAR2(10) NOT NULL DEFAULT "Testing";
  4     lv_temp_txt2         lv_temp_txt%TYPE  NOT NULL DEFAULT "Testing";
  5  BEGIN
  6     DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE("Customer Name: " || NVL(lv_customer_name_txt, "N/A"));
  7     DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE("Temp Var: " || NVL(lv_temp_txt, "N/A"));
  8     DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE("Temp Var2: " || NVL(lv_temp_txt2, "N/A"));
  9  END;
 10  /
Customer Name: N/A
Temp Var: Testing
Temp Var2: Testing
PL/SQL procedure successfully completed.
SQL>
SQL> drop table emp;
Table dropped.



Use NVL() to convert number columns and date columns

 

SQL> -- create demo table
SQL> create table Employee(
  2    ID                 VARCHAR2(4 BYTE)         NOT NULL,
  3    First_Name         VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  4    Last_Name          VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  5    Start_Date         DATE,
  6    End_Date           DATE,
  7    Salary             Number(8,2),
  8    City               VARCHAR2(10 BYTE),
  9    Description        VARCHAR2(15 BYTE)
 10  )
 11  /
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> -- prepare data
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2               values ("01","Jason",    "Martin",  to_date("19960725","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("20060725","YYYYMMDD"), 1234.56, "Toronto",  "Programmer")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("02","Alison",   "Mathews", to_date("19760321","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19860221","YYYYMMDD"), 6661.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("03","James",    "Smith",   to_date("19781212","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19900315","YYYYMMDD"), 6544.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("04","Celia",    "Rice",    to_date("19821024","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19990421","YYYYMMDD"), 2344.78, "Vancouver","Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary,  City,       Description)
  2                values("05","Robert",   "Black",   to_date("19840115","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980808","YYYYMMDD"), 2334.78, "Vancouver","Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("06","Linda",    "Green",   to_date("19870730","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19960104","YYYYMMDD"), 4322.78,"New York",  "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("07","David",    "Larry",   to_date("19901231","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("19980212","YYYYMMDD"), 7897.78,"New York",  "Manager")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL> insert into Employee(ID,  First_Name, Last_Name, Start_Date,                     End_Date,                       Salary, City,        Description)
  2                values("08","James",    "Cat",     to_date("19960917","YYYYMMDD"), to_date("20020415","YYYYMMDD"), 1232.78,"Vancouver", "Tester")
  3  /
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- display data in the table
SQL> select * from Employee
  2  /
ID   FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME  START_DAT END_DATE      SALARY CITY       DESCRIPTION
---- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------
01   Jason      Martin     25-JUL-96 25-JUL-06    1234.56 Toronto    Programmer
02   Alison     Mathews    21-MAR-76 21-FEB-86    6661.78 Vancouver  Tester
03   James      Smith      12-DEC-78 15-MAR-90    6544.78            Tester
04   Celia      Rice       24-OCT-82 21-APR-99    2344.78            Manager
05   Robert     Black      15-JAN-84 08-AUG-98    2334.78            Tester
06   Linda      Green      30-JUL-87 04-JAN-96    4322.78 New York   Tester
07   David      Larry      31-DEC-90 12-FEB-98    7897.78            Manager
08   James      Cat        17-SEP-96 15-APR-02    1232.78 Vancouver  Tester

8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL> -- Use NVL() to convert number columns and date columns.
SQL>
SQL> SELECT id, first_name, last_name,
  2  NVL(start_date, "01-JAN-2000") AS Start_Date FROM employee;
ID   FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME  START_DAT
---- ---------- ---------- ---------
01   Jason      Martin     25-JUL-96
02   Alison     Mathews    21-MAR-76
03   James      Smith      12-DEC-78
04   Celia      Rice       24-OCT-82
05   Robert     Black      15-JAN-84
06   Linda      Green      30-JUL-87
07   David      Larry      31-DEC-90
08   James      Cat        17-SEP-96
8 rows selected.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> -- clean the table
SQL> drop table Employee
  2  /
Table dropped.
SQL>
SQL>



Use TRUNC function in NVL function

  
SQL>
SQL> CREATE TABLE product (
  2       product_name     VARCHAR2(25),
  3       product_price    NUMBER(4,2),
  4       quantity_on_hand NUMBER(5,0),
  5       last_stock_date  DATE);
Table created.
SQL>
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Small Widget", 99, 1, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Medium Widget", 75, 1000, "15-JAN-02");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Product Number", 50, 100, "15-JAN-03");
1 row created.
SQL> INSERT INTO product VALUES ("Round Church Station", 25, 10000, null);
1 row created.
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> SELECT product_name,
  2         NVL(last_stock_date, TRUNC(SYSDATE)) "Last Stocked"
  3  FROM   product;
PRODUCT_NAME              Last Stoc
------------------------- ---------
Small Widget              15-JAN-03
Medium Widget             15-JAN-02
Product Number            15-JAN-03
Round Church Station      19-JUN-08
SQL>
SQL>
SQL> DROP TABLE product;
Table dropped.
SQL>