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SQL Essentials: TO_CHAR Function Explained

edited Aug 14, 2025 11:03AM in Saved Searches

Overview

TO_CHAR is an SQL function that converts a date, time, or numeric value into a formatted string. It allows you to customize the display of these data types according to your preferences or specific requirements. In simpler terms, TO_CHAR helps you transform numbers and dates into text formats that are more readable and user-friendly.

Understanding the Syntax

The basic syntax for TO_CHAR is as follows:

TO_CHAR(value, format)

  • value: This is the date, time, or number that you want to convert.
  • format: A string that specifies how you want the output formatted. It uses special characters to represent different date and time components or numeric formats.

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