BYTE function

Syntax

BYTE (expression)

Description

In NLS mode, use the BYTE function to generate a byte from the numeric value of expression. BYTE returns a string containing a single byte.

If expression evaluates to a value in the range 0 to 255, a single-byte character is returned. If expression evaluates to a value in the range 0x80 to 0xF7, a byte that is part of a multibyte character is returned.

If NLS is not enabled, BYTE works like the CHAR function.

Example

When NLS is enabled, the BYTE and CHAR functions return the following:

BYTE(32)

Returns a string containing a single space.

CHAR(32)

Returns a string containing a single space.

BYTE(230)

Returns a string containing the single byte 0xe6.

CHAR(230)

Returns a string containing the multibyte characters æ (small ligature Æ).