Thread: Formating numbers useing to_char: how to get rid of leading space?

I'm trying to format some numbers using to_char, like this:

    SELECT TO_CHAR(34, '099999');

Whenever I do this, I always get a leading space, if the int is
positive.  I looked at the manual, and all the examples had leading
spaces.  Is there a way to get rid of this using TO_CHAR, or should I
write my own formating function that does a TO_CHAR followed by a
LTRIM or something?  If that's the only way to do it, I guess I'll
eventually just write a C function that does numerical output.

Thanks,

e


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On Sun, 24 Sep 2000, Erich wrote:

>
> I'm trying to format some numbers using to_char, like this:
>
>     SELECT TO_CHAR(34, '099999');
>
> Whenever I do this, I always get a leading space, if the int is
> positive.  I looked at the manual, and all the examples had leading
> spaces.  Is there a way to get rid of this using TO_CHAR, or should I

 Try read docs again...

test=# SELECT '>' || TO_CHAR(34, '099999') || '<';
 ?column?
-----------
 > 000034<
(1 row)

test=# SELECT '>' || TO_CHAR(34, 'FM099999') || '<';
 ?column?
----------
 >000034<
(1 row)

    'FM' = fill mode

                        Karel