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.

Returns

The NVL2 function returns a substitute value.

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.