Create table table_new as
(
Select to_char(number_field, the format switches you want )
From table_old
)

-- check the new table, and if you are satisfied

Drop table_old

Create table table_old as (select * from table_new)

Drop table_new

_______________________________________________________
Andras Gombosi
Software Engineer
Andras.[Email address protected]
Irish Life Investment Managers, Loc. B42
Beresford Court,Beresford Place,D1
353-1-7042836

-----Original Message-----
From: Losito Bradley - Salt Lake City UT [mailto:oracledba-ezmlmshield-x10107787.[Email address protected]
Sent: 24 April 2008 16:37
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: RE: Change column data type from varchar2 to number


Oops . . . I want to change from number to varchar2. There are no
indexes or constraints dependent on the column.

Brad

********************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: Losito Bradley - Salt Lake City UT
[mailto:oracledba-ezmlmshield-x6657100.[Email address protected]
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:25 AM
To: LazyDBA Discussion
Subject: Change column data type from varchar2 to number

What's the best way to change the column data type from varchar2 to
number? I am contemplating two options:

1) ALTER TABLE . . .

2) Create a new column, populate the new column from the old column,
and then drop the old column.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Brad



---------------------------------------------------------------------
TO REPLY TO EVERYBODY , PLEASE CLICK REPLY-ALL, NOT JUST REPLY
To post a dba job: http://jobs.lazydba.com
To Subscribe : http://www.LazyDBA.com
To unsubscribe: http://www.lazydba.com/unsubscribe.html




---------------------------------------------------------------------
TO REPLY TO EVERYBODY , PLEASE CLICK REPLY-ALL, NOT JUST REPLY
To post a dba job: http://jobs.lazydba.com
To Subscribe : http://www.LazyDBA.com
To unsubscribe: http://www.lazydba.com/unsubscribe.html



Irish Life Investment Managers winner of the Investment Management KPMG Financial Services Excellence Award 2007

**********************************************************************************
Irish Life Investment Managers Limited is authorised by the Financial Regulator. Irish Life Investment Managers Limited Registered Office: Beresford Court, Beresford Place, Dublin 1. Registered in Ireland Number 116000

While Irish Life Investment Managers uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this email is current, accurate and complete at the date of publication, no representations or warranties are made (express or implied) as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of such information. Irish Life Investment Managers therefore cannot be held liable for any loss arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or any action taken in reliance on, any information contained in this email.

This material is for information only and does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any investment, or subscribe to any investment management or advisory service. It is intended for the use of institutional and other professional investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The value of funds we manage may fall as well as rise.

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept for the presence of computer viruses.
**********************************************************************************


Oracle LazyDBA home page