decode statement using isnull

[jaburke]

Hey,
I am trying to use a decode statement. I want to say if the date is null then return a space else return the value. This is what I am doing.

decode(fieldA,IsNull,' ',fieldA)

I am getting an oracle error on the isnull (invalid column name). What is wrong with my syntax? I have never used decode, so I am trying to figure it out.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[kskid]

For oracle

decode(fielda,null,'',fielda)

Couple of Questions? Where are you using the decode?Normally, with a decode you assign some value. Why are you inserting ''? What are you trying to accomplish in Crystal? You can set up formulas to handle nulls.

It would also help if you specify what version of Crystal you are using along with some sample input and output.

 

[jaburke]

That does work - I figured it out right after I posted.

I am using the decode in a business objects universe, not in crystal. If there are nulls returned in a BO webi report and the report is exported to excel then the field has #EMPTY in it and our users hate it. So, that is what I am doing. Thanks for the reply.

 

[blom0344]

Oracle has the NVL function for this (Coalesce in other RDBMS)

http://www.techonthenet.com/oracle/functions/nvl.php

Ties Blom
Information analyst