Decode equivalent within pl/sql?

9iR2

As I understand it you can only use DECODE as part of a SQL statement

e.g. select decode(var,


                   'A','LetterA',

                   'B','LetterB',

                   'Lettersomethingelse')

      from dual;

In a pl/sql statement, you cannot code e.g.

  l_string := decode(.....

What do you use to achieve a similar result - or do you set the value into a variable beforehand with an
 if
 elsif
 end if

structure?

Thanks

-- 
jeremy

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   ENVIRONMENT:                                             
   Oracle 9iR2 / Oracle HTTP Server / mod_plsql / Solaris 8 
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