The MySQL command LEFT() counterpart in PostgreSQL?

[Paks]

Hello,
I have a quick little question about the MySQL-command LEFT(columnName ,int).
My question is if there's a counterpart in PostgreSQL for this command and what it is?

What I want to do is take the first specified amount of signs in a text-column and print them out.
For example:

Instead of printing out all information in a text-column...
SELECT story FROM table01;
Once upon a time in a land far far away lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec eget libero eget pede rutrum iaculis.

I want to be able to specify the number of signs printed...
SELECT LEFT(story, 20) FROM table01; // this is the MySQL-cmd "LEFT"
Once upon a time in

Is this possible to do in PostgreSQL? And what is the command for it in that case?

I'm a total newb when it comes to PostgreSQL and my earlier knowledge of MySQL is limited, unfortunately :/

So I would be thankful for any help.

//Paks

[michaelb]

I think this should work for you:

SELECT  substring(story, 1, 20)  FROM  table01;

[Paks]

Thanks Michelb, it worked :)