This example will insert a string value of 'null', which likely isn't what you want, nor a good idea. Remove the quotes from null, and the column default will instead be a null. Example:
SQL> create table student (student_name varchar2(10) default null); A null string and a null value are not the same thing, which you can see using dump: SQL> select dump(student_name) from student; DUMP(STUDENT_NAME) ---------------------------- Typ=1 Len=4: 110,117,108,108 <-- null string NULL <-- null value I once worked with a developer who didn't understand the difference, and inserted null strings instead. It was a mess. Suzy "donald.holloway" wrote: > > All, > > I need to know if there is a way to insert a character value of 'null' as a > default for a column: > > example: student_name varchar2(10) default 'null' > > I have tried this and it works if I update the column values to the string > 'null' later: > > example: update student set student_name = 'null' where student_name is > null > > I know that null is a reserved word but I though that I saw it used > somewhere like this before and just thought I would check with the group on > this. thanks. > > Joseph Hway > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > -- > Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com > -- > Author: donald.holloway > INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 > San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists > -------------------------------------------------------------------- > To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message > to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in > the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L > (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may > also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing). -- Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com -- Author: Suzy Vordos INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051 San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists -------------------------------------------------------------------- To REMOVE yourself from this mailing list, send an E-Mail message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (note EXACT spelling of 'ListGuru') and in the message BODY, include a line containing: UNSUB ORACLE-L (or the name of mailing list you want to be removed from). You may also send the HELP command for other information (like subscribing).
