Although primarily used for converting blobs (long varbinary, long varchar) to string, blob_to_string may also be used to convert from wide string, persistent XML (XPER) and string_output streams. If the data being converted is longer than maximum length of a string, blob_to_string will signal an error.
This function is equivalent to cast (x as varchar). Using cast is preferred.
Varchar contents of blob.
SQL> use Demo; Done. -- 20 msec. SQL> select blob_to_string (Description) from Categories; callret VARCHAR _______________________________________________________________________________ Soft drinks, coffees, teas, beers, and ales Sweet and savory sauces, relishes, spreads, and seasonings Desserts, candies, and sweet breads Cheeses Breads, crackers, pasta, and cereal Prepared meats Dried fruit and bean curd Seaweed and fish 8 Rows. -- 37 msec. SQL>