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A common error to occur while using Oracle is the ORA-06502 error message. This is an error that results from a mistake in the arithmetic or the numeric value executed in a statement.

For example, this error message could result from attempting to execute a statement by assigning an integer a value greater than 99 when the variable is set to NUMBER(2). There are two primary methods that will be discussed to instruct on how to resolve the ORA-06502 error. The first will look at conversion errors, and the second will be directed towards inputting a value that is too large for the variable.

In a conversion error, the problem arises from attempting to assign a non-numeric value to a numeric variable. For instance, say you successfully completed a procedure but when going to execute it the ORA-06502 error message springs up. At this juncture, look back through the procedure and make sure that all numeric variables have exclusively numeric values. When using a non-numeric value, assign the error a proper numeric variable value via ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). This should resolve the ORA-06502.

The second way this error message will occur is if a value being assigned to a numeric variable exceeds the numerical size that the variable can function under. When going to create a procedure, say you assign the variable to not exceed 99, which could be input as ‘v_number number (2)’. If you then proceed to input a numeric value of 100 or higher (three digits and up), the allotted value of the variable will have been eclipsed and result in an error message. By either changing the numeric value to fall in the proper digit range, or by editing the variable to a different digit range to accommodate the value, the ORA-06502 will be resolved.

This error message is generally a quick fix, but there are some ways you can expedite the process (or avoid the error altogether). Make careful note of the error message in this case, as it will provide indication of where the error is emanating from and the cause (e.g., ‘number precision too large at line 5’). This alone should point you in the right direction. Furthermore, by staying meticulous when creating your Oracle procedures and keeping track of the simple concepts like variable size and numeric vs. non-numeric values, you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration. Taking these basic steps should aid in making your Oracle experience a stress-free and prosperous endeavor!

Businesses around the world, from local tech companies to multinational telecommunication giants, require a data management system that can be customized to suit their specific needs. Oracle has proven to be an industry leader in doing just that, providing one of the most comprehensive software suites available in the data management market. Consulting an Oracle partner firm is a beneficial route to implementing Oracle software across your business.