CHARINDEX in Oracle - Examples & AI Generator

Finding the position of a substring in Oracle SQL can be challenging, especially since there’s no direct CHARINDEX function like in SQL Server. Instead, Oracle uses INSTR, which differs slightly in parameter order and behavior. For SQL developers, analysts, and engineers working across databases, remembering these differences is time-consuming. AI2sql provides instant, production-ready Oracle CHARINDEX equivalents—no manual coding, no memorizing syntax.

CHARINDEX Syntax in Oracle

Oracle Alternative: INSTR()

Oracle does not have a direct CHARINDEX function. Use INSTR instead:

INSTR(string, substring, [start_position], [nth_appearance])

• string: The text to search in.

• substring: The text to find.

• start_position (optional): Where to start searching (default: 1).

• nth_appearance (optional): Occurrence number to find (default: 1).

KEY DIFFERENCE: Oracle’s INSTR switches parameter order compared to SQL Server’s CHARINDEX.

CHARINDEX Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Find Customer Name Starting With a Prefix

SELECT customer_name
FROM customers
WHERE INSTR(customer_name, 'John') = 1;

Returns customers whose names start with 'John'.

Locate Dash Position in Product Codes

SELECT product_code, INSTR(product_code, '-') AS dash_pos
FROM products;

Finds the position of '-' in each product code (great for parsing codes).

Check if Email Contains '@'

SELECT email
FROM users
WHERE INSTR(email, '@') > 0;

Lists users with valid email addresses that contain '@'.

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Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual CHARINDEX Coding

• No syntax errors: AI2sql generates accurate, Oracle-ready queries from natural language.

• Instant results: Skip looking up function differences—queries are ready in 10 seconds.

• Zero coding required: Describe your requirement and get SQL instantly.

With 50,000+ users across 80+ countries, AI2sql is trusted by teams needing fast, reliable SQL—without memorizing function quirks.

See also

• Try AI2sql Generator

• Learn CHARINDEX

FAQ: CHARINDEX Oracle Syntax

• Q: Does Oracle have CHARINDEX?
  A: No, Oracle uses INSTR instead. The parameter order is different from SQL Server's CHARINDEX.

• Q: How do I convert CHARINDEX to Oracle syntax?
  A: Replace CHARINDEX(substring, string) with INSTR(string, substring).

• Q: How can AI2sql help with this?
  A: AI2sql instantly generates correct Oracle SQL, so you don’t have to look up or remember syntax differences.

Stop memorizing Oracle CHARINDEX syntax—use AI2sql for instant, accurate queries and focus on insight, not coding. Generate Your First Query Now.