About SQL Expressions

An expression is a combination of one or more values, operators, and SQL functions that evaluates to a value. An expression generally assumes the data type of its components.

Note:

The combined values of the NLS_COMP and NLS_SORT settings determine the rules by which characters are sorted and compared. If NLS_COMP is set to LINGUISTIC for your database, then all entities in this chapter will be interpreted according to the rules specified by the NLS_SORT parameter. If NLS_COMP is not set to LINGUISTIC, then the functions are interpreted without regard to the NLS_SORT setting. NLS_SORT can be explicitly set. If it is not set explicitly, it is derived from NLS_LANGUAGE. Refer to Oracle Database Globalization Support Guide for more information on these settings.

This simple expression evaluates to 4 and has data type NUMBER (the same data type as its components):

2*2

The following expression is an example of a more complex expression that uses both functions and operators. The expression adds seven days to the current date, removes the time component from the sum, and converts the result to CHAR data type:

TO_CHAR(TRUNC(SYSDATE+7))

You can use expressions in:

  • The select list of the SELECT statement

  • A condition of the WHERE clause and HAVING clause

  • The CONNECT BY, START WITH, and ORDER BY clauses

  • The VALUES clause of the INSERT statement

  • The SET clause of the UPDATE statement

For example, you could use an expression in place of the quoted string 'Smith' in this UPDATE statement SET clause:

SET last_name = 'Smith';

This SET clause has the expression INITCAP(last_name) instead of the quoted string 'Smith':

SET last_name = INITCAP(last_name);

Expressions have several forms, as shown in the following syntax:

expr::=

Description of expr.gif follows
Description of the illustration expr.gif

Oracle Database does not accept all forms of expressions in all parts of all SQL statements. Refer to the individual SQL statements in Chapter 10 through Chapter 19 for information on restrictions on the expressions in that statement.

You must use appropriate expression notation whenever expr appears in conditions, SQL functions, or SQL statements in other parts of this reference. The sections that follow describe and provide examples of the various forms of expressions.