Preamble
Oracle PL/SQL Functions
| Function | Description |
| BFILENAME | The Oracle/PLSQL function returns the BFILENAME locator corresponding to the operating system’s physical filename file name. |
| CARDINALITY | Oracle/PLSQL function CARDINALITY returns the number of elements in the nested table. |
| COALESCE | Oracle/PLSQL function COALESCE returns the first non-zero expression from the list. If all expressions are defined as Null, the COALESCE function will return Null. |
| DECODE | Oracle/PLSQL function DECODE has functionality of IF-THEN-ELSE operator. |
| EMPTY_BLOB | Oracle/PLSQL function EMPTY_BLOB can be used to initialize empty LOB columns in INSERT or UPDATE operators or it can be used to initialize LOB variable. |
| EMPTY_CLOB | Oracle/PLSQL function EMPTY_CLOB can be used to initialize empty LOB columns in INSERT or UPDATE operators or it can be used to initialize LOB variable. |
| GROUP_ID | Oracle/PLSQL function GROUP_ID assigns a number to each group as a result of GROUP BY operator. GROUP_ID function is most often used to identify duplicate groups in query results. |
| LNNVL | Oracle/PLSQL function LNNVL is used in the WHERE SQL query sentence to evaluate the state when one of the operands may contain the value NULL. |
| NANVL | The Oracle/PLSQL function NANVL allows you to replace a value for a floating point number such as BINARY_FLOAT or BINARY_DOUBLE when Nan (Not a number) is encountered. This is most often used to convert the value Nan (Not a number) to NULL or 0. |
| NULLIF | Oracle/PLSQL function NULLIF compares expr1 and expr2. If expr1 and expr2 are equal, the function NULLIF returns NULL. Otherwise, it returns expr1. |
| NVL | Oracle/PLSQL function NVL allows you to replace the value when there is a Null value. |
| NVL2 | Oracle/PLSQL function NVL2 extends the functionality of the NVL function. It replaces the value when a Null value is encountered and also when a non-Null value is encountered. |
| SQLCODE | The SQLCODE function returns the error number associated with an exceptional situation. This function can only be used in the exception handling section of your code. |
| SQLERRM | The SQLERRM function returns an error message related to an exceptional situation. This function can only be used in the exception handling section of your code. |
| SYS_CONTEXT | Oracle/PLSQL function SYS_CONTEXT is used to get information about the state of Oracle environment. |
| UID | Oracle/PLSQL function UID returns an integer number identifying the current database user. |
| USER | Oracle/PLSQL function USER returns user_id from the current Oracle session. |
| USERENV | Oracle/PLSQL function USERENV is used to get information about the current Oracle session. Although this function still exists in Oracle for backward compatibility, it is recommended to use the sys_context function instead. |
About Enteros
Enteros offers a patented database performance management SaaS platform. It proactively identifies root causes of complex business-impacting database scalability and performance issues across a growing number of clouds, RDBMS, NoSQL, and machine learning database platforms.
The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Enteros Inc. This blog may contain links to the content of third-party sites. By providing such links, Enteros Inc. does not adopt, guarantee, approve, or endorse the information, views, or products available on such sites.
Are you interested in writing for Enteros’ Blog? Please send us a pitch!
RELATED POSTS
How AIOps and FinOps Optimize Cloud Database Performance for Banking and BFSI
- 31 August 2026
- Database Performance Management
Introduction The banking and financial services industry is undergoing a significant transformation as institutions move critical workloads to cloud and hybrid-cloud environments. Digital banking applications, payment platforms, mobile banking, lending systems, insurance applications, fraud detection platforms, wealth management solutions, and financial analytics increasingly depend on scalable cloud infrastructure and high-performing databases. However, cloud adoption introduces … Continue reading “How AIOps and FinOps Optimize Cloud Database Performance for Banking and BFSI”
How to Optimize Media and Entertainment Database Performance with Enteros Database Software, AI-Powered Analytics, and Database Observability
- 30 August 2026
- Database Performance Management
Introduction The media and entertainment industry has become a digital-first business. Streaming services, digital publishing, online gaming content, advertising platforms, social experiences, content management systems, subscription platforms, and personalized recommendations all depend on databases. Modern media companies process enormous volumes of customer, content, advertising, transaction, and behavioral information. Read more”Indian Country” highlights Enteros and its … Continue reading “How to Optimize Media and Entertainment Database Performance with Enteros Database Software, AI-Powered Analytics, and Database Observability”
How to Optimize Manufacturing Database Performance with Enteros Database Software, AIOps, and Predictive Analytics
Introduction Manufacturing is becoming increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure. Modern factories use enterprise resource planning (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), supply-chain platforms, warehouse management systems, industrial IoT, quality management applications, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics to manage production. Behind these systems are databases processing enormous amounts of operational information. Production schedules, inventory levels, machine data, … Continue reading “How to Optimize Manufacturing Database Performance with Enteros Database Software, AIOps, and Predictive Analytics”
The Future of Industry-Specific Cloud Optimization with AIOps, FinOps, and AI-Powered Database Management
- 28 August 2026
- Database Performance Management
Introduction Cloud computing has become a foundational component of digital transformation across industries. Banking organizations use cloud platforms to support digital payments and online banking. Healthcare providers rely on cloud infrastructure for digital health applications and patient services. Educational institutions operate learning management systems and virtual classrooms in the cloud. Retailers, manufacturers, insurers, logistics providers, … Continue reading “The Future of Industry-Specific Cloud Optimization with AIOps, FinOps, and AI-Powered Database Management”