Short Answer
The REPLACE() function in SQL allows you to remove specified substrings, like commas, by replacing them with an empty string. To apply this, you write a SELECT query that modifies the desired column, and upon execution, it returns results with the unwanted characters removed.
Step 1: Understand the REPLACE() Function
The REPLACE() function in SQL is a powerful tool used to substitute a specified substring within a string with another substring. When you want to remove characters, such as commas, you can replace them with an empty string. This makes it ideal for cleaning up data within your SQL queries.
Step 2: Write the SQL Query
To utilize the REPLACE() function, you need to structure your SQL SELECT query correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Select the column you want to modify.
- Alias the modified column for easier reference.
An example query is displayed below:
SELECT REPLACE(ColumnName, ‘,’, ”) AS NewColumnName FROM TableName;
Step 3: Execute the Query and Review Results
After writing the query, execute it to see the results. By running this query, all records from TableName will be returned with any commas removed from ColumnName. Ensure that you review the resulting NewColumnName to confirm that it meets your requirements without the unwanted commas.