ORACLE/PLSQL: NVL2 FUNCTION
This Oracle tutorial explains how to use the Oracle/PLSQL NVL2 function with syntax and examples.
DESCRIPTION
The Oracle/PLSQL NVL2 function extends the functionality found in the NVL function. It lets you substitutes a value when a null value is encountered as well as when a non-null value is encountered.
SYNTAX
The syntax for the NVL2 function in Oracle/PLSQL is:
NVL2( string1, value_if_not_null, value_if_null )
Parameters or Arguments
string1
The string to test for a null value.
value_if_not_null
The value returned if string1 is not null.
value_if_null
The value returned if string1 is null.
APPLIES TO
The NVL2 function can be used in the following versions of Oracle/PLSQL:
Oracle 12c, Oracle 11g, Oracle 10g, Oracle 9i, Oracle 8i
EXAMPLE
Let's look at some Oracle NVL2 function examples and explore how to use the NVL2 function in Oracle/PLSQL.
For example:
select NVL2(supplier_city, 'Completed', 'n/a')
from suppliers;
The SQL statement above would return 'n/a' if the supplier_city field contained a null value. Otherwise, it would return the 'Completed'.
Another example using the NVL2 function in Oracle/PLSQL is:
select supplier_id, NVL2(supplier_desc, supplier_name, supplier_name2) from suppliers;
This SQL statement would return the supplier_name2 field if the supplier_desc contained a null value. Otherwise, it would return the supplier_name field.
