what is the use of decode function in sql and how to use decode function

[surendrareddy]

wtat is the use of decode function ,how to use that function in sql

description of decode function

[debasisdas]

In Oracle/PLSQL, the decode function has the functionality of an IF-THEN-ELSE statement.
DECODE compares expression to each search value one by one. If expression is equal to a search, then Oracle Database returns the corresponding result. If no match is found, then Oracle returns default. If default is omitted, then Oracle returns null.

Please find more details here and here.