Function alias for Postgres default function

Question

I always use NVL() for assigning a default value when the result is null.

However in PostgreSql there is only COALESCE().

Can I give the COALESCE function an alias so it executes with NVL?

Or can I copy the function declaration somehow?

What's wrong with using `coalesce()` it's part of the SQL standard and also supported by Oracle. — , Oct 28 '16 at 08:27
@a_horse_with_no_name May sound trite but saving a few letters in the case of applying this function to dozens of columns can matter. — WestCoastProjects, Oct 10 '19 at 22:39

score 7 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:19

7

You can use this wrapper:

create or replace function nvl (anyelement, anyelement)
returns anyelement language sql as $$
    select coalesce($1, $2)
$$;

edited May 23 '17 at 12:19

Community

answered Oct 28 '16 at 08:23

klin

for me this does not work ATM - https://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/307269/postgres-function-for-nvl – Nir Feb 10 '22 at 07:46
Well, your function does not work, mine is OK. – klin Feb 10 '22 at 08:58

1 Answers1