What is the main function of the TO_CHAR function in saved searches?

The TO_CHAR function in saved searches is primarily used to convert data and numeric information into text format. This conversion is essential in situations where text formatting is required for user-friendly display, reporting, or further text manipulation. For example, if a report needs to show a number as a string for concatenation with other text or to ensure it aligns properly with other text-based elements, the TO_CHAR function is instrumental in achieving that.

By using TO_CHAR, numeric values can be easily formatted into readable strings, allowing for enhanced reporting capabilities and improving the clarity of information presented to users. This function is particularly useful when you want to ensure that numeric data aligns correctly within output fields that expect text strings rather than raw numbers.

Other functions mentioned serve entirely different purposes, focusing on manipulating integers, applying logic, or creating new fields rather than converting existing values into text.