Fixing ORA-06502 Error: PL/SQL Numeric or Value Error due to Character String Buffer Too Small

If you are working with PL/SQL (Procedural Language/Structured Query Language) in Oracle Database, you may have encountered the ORA-06502 error. This error occurs when the length of a character string buffer in PL/SQL is too small to hold the value being assigned to it.

This error can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several ways to fix it. In this guide, we will discuss the causes of the ORA-06502 error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve it.

Causes of the ORA-06502 Error

The ORA-06502 error can be caused by several factors, including:

  • The length of the character string buffer is too small to hold the assigned value.
  • The assigned value is too large for the character string buffer.
  • The assigned value is not a character string.

Step-by-Step Solutions for Fixing the ORA-06502 Error

Solution 1: Increase the Size of the Character String Buffer

If the assigned value is larger than the size of the character string buffer, you can increase the size of the buffer to fix the error. Here are the steps:

  1. Determine the size of the character string buffer that needs to be increased.
  2. Modify the PL/SQL code to increase the size of the buffer.
  3. Compile and run the modified code.

Solution 2: Change the Assigned Value

If the assigned value is not a character string, you can change the value to a character string or modify the PL/SQL code to accept a different data type. Here are the steps:

  1. Determine the data type of the assigned value.
  2. Modify the PL/SQL code to accept the new data type or convert the value to a character string.
  3. Compile and run the modified code.

Solution 3: Use the DBMS_SQL Package

If the assigned value is too large for the character string buffer, you can use the DBMS_SQL package to fix the error. Here are the steps:

  1. Declare a cursor using the DBMS_SQL package.
  2. Bind the variables to the cursor using the DBMS_SQL package.
  3. Fetch the data using the DBMS_SQL package.
  4. Close the cursor using the DBMS_SQL package.

FAQ

How do I determine the size of the character string buffer that needs to be increased?

You can determine the size of the character string buffer by examining the PL/SQL code that is causing the error. Look for the variable that is causing the error and determine the length of the variable.

What is the maximum size of a character string buffer in PL/SQL?

The maximum size of a character string buffer in PL/SQL is 32,767 bytes.

How do I convert a non-character string value to a character string?

You can use the TO_CHAR function to convert a non-character string value to a character string.

What is the DBMS_SQL package?

The DBMS_SQL package is a package that allows you to execute dynamic SQL statements in PL/SQL.

How do I close a cursor using the DBMS_SQL package?

You can close a cursor using the DBMS_SQL package by calling the CLOSE_CURSOR procedure.

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