Oracle/PLSQL: NVL2 Function

Learn 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 Oracle/PLSQL NVL2 function is:

NVL2( string1, value_if_NOT_null, value_if_null )

 Parameters or Arguments

string1 is the string to test for a null value.
value_if_NOT_null is the value returned if string1 is not null.
value_if_null is 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 you would 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.

Fuentes:  http://www.techonthenet.com/oracle/functions/nvl2.php