How to display date in a different format in oracle

I have a table with a date field. By default, select max(date) from table; returns the date in 'dd-mmm-yy' format. How do I select the date in 'MM/DD/YYYY' format, without changing the table 's structure or the field's format.

Thanks, Supraja

select to_char(max(date), 'MM/DD/YYYY') from table;

Try the following:

select to_char(sysdate,'mm/dd/yyyy') as maxdate from dual;

Some information on the oracle-specific function to_char():

• http://www.techonthenet.com/oracle/functions/to_char.php

Check out the to_char function and the date/time formats it accepts.

select to_char(sysdate, 'MM/DD/YYYY')
from dual;

Exists a table or view v$nls_parameters search here the parameter 'NLS_DATE_FORMAT', this is perfect for not be changing the format each while.

SELECT * 
  FROM v$nls_parameters WHERE UPPER(PARAMETER) = 'NLS_DATE_FORMAT';

ALTER SESSION SET NLS_DATE_FORMAT = 'YYYYMMDD'; 

There is also the possibility from make for register of win. in tree

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ORACLE\KEY_OraClient11g_home9

Here key NLS_DATE_FORMAT, change for your format date.