Why does the NVL2 function don't accept LONG values in its second and third parameters?

Question

The official Oracle database documentation says that the NVL2 function doesn't allow values of type LONG in its second and third parameters though it doesn't explain why.

Why do we have this restriction? Is there any specific reason for this restriction?

Answer 1

Because LONG columns are long, loooong (pun intended :)) deprecated and shouldn't be used anymore: Oracle 9.0.1 - Deprecated and Desupported Features