Oracle TO_CHAR() Function

Syntax

TO_CHAR(date, format)

Basic Example

SELECT TO_CHAR(created_at, 'YYYY-MM-DD') AS formatted_date
FROM orders;

When to use it

Use TO_CHAR when you need a date operation in Oracle. This page is designed as a quick reference for developers, analysts, and students comparing SQL dialects.

Common mistake

A common mistake is copying syntax from another SQL dialect. Always verify function name, argument order, and formatting tokens for Oracle.

Related SQL Functions

• MySQL NOW() Function
• MySQL CURDATE() Function
• MySQL CURRENT_DATE() Function
• MySQL CURRENT_TIMESTAMP() Function
• MySQL DATE_ADD() Function
• MySQL DATE_SUB() Function

FAQ

Is TO_CHAR available in every SQL database?

Not always. Function names and argument behavior can differ across SQL engines.

Can I use this in SELECT queries?

Yes. Most SQL functions are commonly used in SELECT and often in WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY depending on the function.