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sqloracle-databaseora-01722

Oracle - select * where column>5

I am trying to do a comparison based on a column. Let's say, if column>5. 

select * where column>5

The column contains non digits. I thought Oracle allows one to compare strings (like Java).

Apparently this is not allowed. 

ORA-01722: invalid number
01722. 00000 -  "invalid number"

Is there a way to do comparisons with non numeric fields?
Thanks

Solution

  • Yes, you have to put the 5 in quotes : 

    select * from table where column > '5'