title: Converting Long to Varchar2
body: <p>I am trying to insert into varchar2 column from a long column. here is the below example, <code>TEXT.TEXT_COL = VARCHAR2(4000)</code>
  and <code>NOTE.TEXT_NOTE = LONG</code>.</p>
  
  <pre><code>INSERT INTO TEXT(ROW_ID, TEXT_COL)
  SELECT 1, TEXT_NOTE FROM NOTE; 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>When i run the above sql i get error</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>SQL Error: ORA-00997: illegal use of LONG datatype</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>I used <code>TO_LOB()</code> too, but still the same error. </p>
  
  <p>Is there any function which simply coverts <code>long</code> and put it in <code>varchar2</code>. Let me know your thoughts. </p>