Reference Guide > TDV Support for SQL Functions > TDV-Supported Convert Functions > TO_CHAR
 
TO_CHAR
The TO_CHAR function converts a date or number to a CHAR.
Syntax
TO_CHAR (value[,’template’])
Remarks
• The optional template can be of any length, but make sure it contains as many digits as the longest expected input value.
• If two arguments are provided, TO_CHAR treats empty strings as NULL.
• Date templates are the same as those used in FORMAT_DATE.
• Most number template indicators (commas, decimal points, letter designations) can be used in combination.
• The table below illustrates representative effects of number templates.
Template
Sample Input
Result
Comments
999,999,999
12345
12,345
Returns the input value with commas placed as in the template.
099,999
1234
001,234
Returns leading zeroes to fill out the number of digits in the template.
$99,999
1234
$1,234
Returns the input expressed as a dollar amount, with commas.
$099,999.99
1234.56
1234
$001,234.56
$001,234.00
Returns the input expressed as a dollar amount with two decimal places, with leading zeroes to fill out the number of digits in the template.
L999,999
12345
$12,345
Returns the local currency symbol in the specified position.
999,999PR
-12345
<12,345>
If the input is negative, returns it in angle brackets.
s999,999
12345
+12,345
Returns the input with a leading plus or minus sign. Zero returns +0.
S999,999pr
-12345
<-12,345>
Leading S and trailing PR can be used together in the template.
Example
SELECT
TO_CHAR(TIME '17:45:29', 'hh24 HH:MI:SS')
FROM
/services/databases/system/DUAL
 
This returns:
17 05:45:29