thanks varchar2 works like a charm -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of David Sharples Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 4:59 PM To: Roger Xu Cc: Pat Hildebrand; Jared Still; Oracle-L@Freelists. Org (E-mail) Subject: Re: how do I concatenate a string in PL/SQL? you are blowing the size of the variable - use varchar2 instead as your string is being padded with spaces On 2/8/06, Roger Xu < roger_xu@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: SQL> !cat /tmp/abc.sql set serveroutput on set verify off declare a_strng CHAR(50); a_ATWRT CHAR(30); begin a_ATWRT := 'World'; a_strng := 'Hello'; a_strng := a_ATWRT || a_strng; dbms_output.put_line ( a_strng); end; / For technical support please email tech_support@xxxxxxxxxxx or you can call (972)721-8257. This email has been scanned for all viruses by the MessageLabs Email Security System. This e-mail is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any review, dissemination, copying, printing or other use of this e-mail by persons or entities other than the addressee is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete the material. ____________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned for all viruses by the MessageLabs Email Security System. Any questions please call 972-721-8257 or email your request to tech_support@xxxxxxxxxxxx