changing data definition

how can i alter a columns type from number to number(15,2)

of course the column is populated .... i need a way to make this conversion without emptying the columns.

say

alter table tablename ( id number(15,2));

id used to be number

oracle would spit out cannot decrease precision ... blah blah. i understand the inconsistency involved but is there any way around this problem?

i know i can spool to a flat file and do a direct load . or
create a skeleton and insert

both of which will have a time penalty as opposing to just alter.

is there anyway to do a create table that can do the data type conversion implicitly?

bear in mind i am altering thecolumn type here not data type ...

any help will greatly appreciated.

thanks

--ray Received on Tue Apr 06 1999 - 05:05:53 CDT