Like built-in operators, user-defined operators take a set of operands as input and return a result. However, you create them with the CREATE
OPERATOR
statement, and they are identified by user-defined names. They reside in the same namespace as tables, views, types, and standalone functions.
After you have defined a new operator, you can use it in SQL statements like any other built-in operator. For example, you can use user-defined operators in the select list of a SELECT
statement, the condition of a WHERE
clause, or in ORDER
BY
clauses and GROUP
BY
clauses. However, you must have EXECUTE
privilege on the operator to do so, because it is a user-defined object.
See Also:
CREATE OPERATOR for an example of creating an operator and Oracle Database Data Cartridge Developer's Guide for more information on user-defined operators