Can't use command 'decode' or 'nvl' for long datatype.

[Wrinn]

Dear,
I'd like to use the 'decode' or 'nvl' command for long datatype. But the system informs me that 'ORA-00997: illegal use of LONG datatype'.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[rcurva]

When you use a LONG RAW, you intend to store large data such as sound, image etc., but NVL can only make a substitute for a character or a number, definitely not for this datatype.

I got this from Metalink:

Normal SQL functions do not operate on raws. Use UTL_RAW package to operate on raw columns. To install the package run utlraw.sql script. Also go through utlraw.sql script.

 

[harris79]

In the Oracle 8 Complete reference it says for LONG data type-

"LONG columns may not be used in subqueries, functions, expressions, where clauses or indexes."

Steve

 

[carp]

Do you really need to use a LONG? If your data is 4000 characters or less, you could use a VARCHAR2.
If your data is longer than 4000 characters, try using a clob instead of a LONG.