Preamble
The Oracle/PLSQL DUMP function returns a value of varchar2, which includes data type code, length in bytes, and the internal representation of the expression.
Oracle/PLSQL DUMP function syntax
DUMP( expression, [return_format_id], [start_position_id], [length_id] )
Parameters and function arguments
- expression – expression for analysis.
- return_format_id – is not obligatory. It defines the format of the returned value. This parameter can be any of the following values:
| Meaning | Description |
| 8 | octal notation |
| 10 | decimal notation |
| 16 | hexadecimal notation |
| 17 | single characters |
| 1008 | octal notation with the character set name |
| 1010 | decimal notation with the character set name |
| 1016 | hexadecimal notation with the character set name |
- start_position and length are optional. They determine which part of the internal view will be displayed. If these parameters are not specified, the DUMP function will show the entire internal representation of the decimal number system.
The DUMP function returns VARCHAR2.
If return_format, start_position and length parameters are omitted, the DUMP function will return the entire internal representation in decimal notation.
The DUMP function can be used in the following versions of Oracle/PLSQL
Oracle 12c, Oracle 11g, Oracle 10g, Oracle 9i, Oracle 8i
Let’s look at some examples of the DUMP function and learn how to use the DUMP function in Oracle PLSQL.
SQL> SELECT DUMP('abc') FROM DUAL;
--Result: Typ=96 Len=3: 97.98.99
SQL> SELECT DUMP('abc', 10) FROM DUAL;
--Result: Typ=96 Len=3: 97.98.99
SQL> SELECT DUMP('abc', 16) FROM DUAL;
--Result: Typ=96 Len=3: 61,62,63.
SQL> SELECT DUMP('abc', 1016) FROM DUAL;
--Result: Typ=96 Len=3 CharacterSet=CL8MSWIN1251: 61.62.63
SQL> SELECT DUMP('abc', 1017) FROM DUAL;
--Result: Typ=96 Len=3 CharacterSet=CL8MSWIN1251: a,b,c
About Enteros
Enteros offers a patented database performance management SaaS platform. It proactively identifies root causes of complex business-impacting database scalability and performance issues across a growing number of clouds, RDBMS, NoSQL, and machine learning database platforms.
The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Enteros Inc. This blog may contain links to the content of third-party sites. By providing such links, Enteros Inc. does not adopt, guarantee, approve, or endorse the information, views, or products available on such sites.
Are you interested in writing for Enteros’ Blog? Please send us a pitch!
RELATED POSTS
Transforming BFSI Cloud Efficiency: How Enteros Enhances Budgeting and Governance Through the Cloud Center of Excellence
- 13 November 2025
- Database Performance Management
Introduction In the fast-evolving world of Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), cloud transformation has become more than a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic imperative. As financial institutions adopt multi-cloud and hybrid ecosystems, managing cost efficiency, compliance, and performance governance becomes increasingly complex. To meet these challenges, many organizations are establishing Cloud Centers of Excellence (CCoE)—dedicated … Continue reading “Transforming BFSI Cloud Efficiency: How Enteros Enhances Budgeting and Governance Through the Cloud Center of Excellence”
Revolutionizing Healthcare Efficiency: How Enteros Integrates AIOps and Cloud FinOps to Transform Database Performance Management
Introduction In the modern era of digital healthcare, data drives everything—from clinical decision-making and patient outcomes to financial operations and regulatory compliance. As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies, electronic health records (EHRs), and AI-based analytics, the volume and complexity of data have grown exponentially. This digital transformation has brought immense potential for innovation but … Continue reading “Revolutionizing Healthcare Efficiency: How Enteros Integrates AIOps and Cloud FinOps to Transform Database Performance Management”
Maximizing RevOps Efficiency: How Enteros Leverages Generative AI and Cloud FinOps to Redefine Business Performance Optimization
- 12 November 2025
- Database Performance Management
Introduction In today’s fast-paced digital economy, achieving seamless alignment between revenue, operations, and finance has become the ultimate competitive advantage. Businesses are no longer just managing data—they’re orchestrating vast ecosystems of cloud infrastructure, applications, and databases that drive revenue generation and operational agility. However, as organizations scale across multi-cloud environments, the challenge of balancing performance, … Continue reading “Maximizing RevOps Efficiency: How Enteros Leverages Generative AI and Cloud FinOps to Redefine Business Performance Optimization”
Advancing Healthcare Innovation: How Enteros Integrates AIOps and Observability Platforms to Redefine Database Performance Management
Introduction The healthcare industry is undergoing a digital renaissance. From electronic health records (EHR) and telemedicine to AI-powered diagnostics and predictive patient analytics, healthcare systems now depend on massive data ecosystems that must function with precision and reliability. However, as these data systems scale, the complexity of maintaining consistent database performance, cost efficiency, and operational … Continue reading “Advancing Healthcare Innovation: How Enteros Integrates AIOps and Observability Platforms to Redefine Database Performance Management”