Re: SELECT from DUAL??

Hi,

The direct assignment syntax won't work if the assignment you're trying to make is not a function. For instance, the nextval of a sequence called my_seq couldn't be assigned with:

 v_next := my_seq.nextval;

You need to :

SELECT MY_SEQ.NEXTVAL
INTO v_next FROM DUAL;

Hth,

Steve

In article <wtp96.790$wb7.15596_at_news1.mts.net>,   "Joseph Ranseth" <jransethNO_SPAM_at_hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have come across many instances where people use a select from dual
 to
> determine or assign a value to a local variable, for example:
>
> SELECT sysdateinto l_date FROM dual
>
> what is the benefit of this over using a standard assignment
 expression?
> ie: l_date := sysdate;
>
> Just wondering....
> thanks in advance.
>
> JR
>
>

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http://www.deja.com/ Received on Wed Jan 17 2001 - 17:40:06 CST