The DECODE function decodes an expression in a way similar to the IF-THEN-ELSE logic used in various languages. The DECODE function decodes expression after comparing it to each search value. If the expression is the same as search, result is returned.
If the default value is omitted, a null value is returned where a search value does not match any of the result values.
In the preceding SQL statement, the value of JOB_ID is tested. If JOB_ID is IT_PROG, the salary increase is 10%; if JOB_ID is ST_CLERK, the salary increase is 15%; if JOB_ID is SA_REP, the salary increase is 20%. For all other job roles, there is no increase in salary.
The same statement can be expressed in pseudocode as an IF-THEN-ELSE statement:
IF job_id = ’IT_PROG’ THEN salary = salary*1.10
IF job_id = ’ST_CLERK’ THEN salary = salary*1.15
IF job_id = ’SA_REP’ THEN salary = salary*1.20
ELSE salary = salary