Oracle TO_CHAR

The Oracle TO_CHAR function converts an expression to a character set.
The Oracle TO_CHAR (number) function converts n to a value of VARCHAR2 data type.
The Oracle TO_CHAR (character) function converts NCHAR, NVARCHAR2, CLOB, or NCLOB data to the database character set.
the Oracle TO_CHAR (datetime) function converts a datetime or interval value to a value of VARCHAR2.

Oracle TO_CHAR example

select 
to_char(5399.87, '9999.9') 
from dual; 

5399.9

select 
to_char(5399.87, '$9,999.00') 
from dual;

$5,399.87

select 
to_char(sysdate, 'yyyy/mm/dd') 
from dual; 

2011/11/06

select 
to_char(sysdate, 'Month DD, YYYY') 
from dual;

November  06, 2011


select 
to_char(sysdate, 'FMMonth DD, YYYY') 
from dual;

November 6, 2011

select 
to_char(sysdate, 'MON DDth, YYYY') 
from dual;

NOV 06TH, 2011