Oracle/PLSQL: NVL2 Function

In Oracle/PLSQL, the 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 is:

NVL2( string1, value_if_NOT_null, value_if_null )

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

• Oracle 11g, Oracle 10g, Oracle 9i, Oracle 8i

Example #1

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'.

Example #2

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.