Passing parameters in an sql call to a function

Question

hello gurus
i have a simple function that outputs the first x natural integers..
create or replace function first_numbers (x number default 10) return varchar2
is
var varchar2(100);
begin
var := null;
for i in 1..x
loop
var := var||to_char(i)||'-';
end loop;
return rtrim(var,'-');
end;
i would like to use it in an sql call, like this
select first_numbers (5)
from dual --(it works)
but it doesn't work if i pass the parameter in this way
select first_numbers (x=>5)
from dual --(it DOESNT' work)
i understand that it can't be possible because i am working in a sql environment while the call with the "=>" is typical in a pl sql environment.. would like to know if there is a workaround ..
thanks in advance
claudio

Answer 1

claudioconte wrote:
i understand that it can't be possible because i am working in a sql environment while the call with the "=>" is typical in a pl sql environment.. would like to know if there is a workaround ..Upgrade to 11g which allows that notation. ;)
What do you actually need a workaround for? What's actually wrong with doing it without that notation?