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javasqloracle-databasesql-updatepad

How to pad hyphen at left side : Oracle

I have existing records in the database the field description is 

aa_desc NOT NULL VARCHAR2(8)

i have existing record for this field and now i have to add - (hyphen) with the existing record.

since it is restricted to eight characters i have to pad only the remaining characters with existing.

ex : if the existing value is aaa it needs to be padded like -----aaa.

how do i do this.

Technical environment : 

DB : Oracle

Development : java
Solution

  • You should use Oracle's LPAD function. It adds the necessary character to the left side of the string to make of the specified lenght.So in your case, it should be:

    LPAD(aa_desc, 8, '-')

    http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E11882_01/server.112/e26088/functions095.htm#SQLRF00663