How to Change Field Names in Oracle PL/SQL Type Tables

Learn how to modify field names in Oracle PL/SQL type tables for better clarity and usability in your database applications.
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How to Change Field Names in Oracle PL/SQL Type Tables: A Step-by-Step Guide

When working with Oracle PL/SQL, creating type tables can be essential to handling collections of data efficiently. However, a common issue developers face is the need to rename the default field name from column_value to something more meaningful, like ITid. This blog aims to help you understand how to achieve this and improve your database structure.

The Problem: Default Field Names in PL/SQL Type Tables

When you create a type table in Oracle, it often defaults the column name to column_value. For example, when creating a type as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

And then using this type in functions, you'll find that the results you receive include column_value, which can be confusing and less descriptive for users or developers interacting with the data.

The Solution: Creating Custom Object Types

To change column_value to a more appropriate name like ITid, you will need to work with object types in PL/SQL. Here are the key steps:

1. Create Object Type

Instead of using a simple number type, create an object type that includes the field name you want:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Create Table Type

Next, define a table type based on the object type you just created:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Rewrite the Function

Now, you can create a function that uses this new table type. Note that in the following example, we will optimize by not using dynamic SQL unless necessary:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

4. Query the Data

Finally, when you run your query, you will use the new field name, which is now ITid instead of column_value:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Expected Output

You should now see output like this, which is clearer and easier to work with:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Changing the default column name from column_value to a more meaningful name can significantly enhance the readability and usability of the data you’re handling in Oracle PL/SQL. By following the steps outlined above, you can create custom object types that fit your project's needs while maintaining clarity.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to leave a comment below!

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