How to fix the Oracle error PLS-00231: function ‘string’ may not be used in SQL?

In this post, you’ll learn more about the Oracle ErrorPLS-00231: function ‘string’ may not be used in SQL with the details on why you receive this error and the possible solution to fix it.

Oracle Error Description

PLS-00231: function ‘string’ may not be used in SQL

Reason for the Error PLS-00231: function ‘string’ may not be used in SQL

A proscribed function was used in a SQL statement. Certain functions such as SQLCODE and SQLERRM can be used only in procedural statements.

How to fix the Error PLS-00231: function ‘string’ may not be used in SQL ?

You can fix this error in Oracle by following the below steps

Remove the function call from the SQL statement. Or, replace the function call with a local variable. For example, the following statement is illegal: INSERT INTO errors VALUES (SQLCODE, SQLERRM); However, you can assign the values of SQLCODE and SQLERRM to local variables, then use the variables in the SQL statement, as follows: err_num := SQLCODE; err_msg := SQLERRM; INSERT INTO errors VALUES (err_num, err_msg);