The REAL function returns a single-precision floating-point representation.
The result is the same number that would occur if the argument were assigned to a single-precision floating-point column or variable. If the numeric value of the argument is not within the range of single-precision floating-point, an error is returned.
If the argument is a string-expression, the result is the same number that would result from CAST( string-expression AS REAL). Leading and trailing blanks are eliminated and the resulting string must conform to the rules for forming a floating-point, decimal floating-point, integer, or decimal constant. If the numeric value of the argument is not within the range of single-precision floating-point, an error is returned.
The single-byte character constant that must be used to delimit the decimal digits in string-expression from the whole part of the number is the default decimal point. For more information, see Decimal point.
The result of the function is a single-precision floating-point number. If the argument can be null, the result can be null; if the argument is null, the result is the null value.
Syntax alternatives: The CAST specification should be used to increase the portability of applications. For more information, see CAST specification.
SELECT EMPNO, REAL(SALARY)/COMM FROM EMPLOYEE WHERE COMM > 0