title: encoding and decoding in oracle select statement
body: <p>Is there a way i can encode a string from a select statement in oracle. </p>
  
  <p>i.e. </p>
  
  <pre><code>SELECT base64encode('mystring') FROM dual; --this doesn't work
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>base64 or any other encoding mechanism is welcomed. one that can be decoded</p>