Oracle says that is it is under 4K, then it is stored inline (actual in the table).

Are you then saying that if it exceeds 4k (in which case it is stored outside the table), then I will not be able to use a function that converts/extracts. If so, then would there be no other (FEASIBLE) way of converting/extracting the column into an alternative data type, other than using a function?

I am assuming that they used CLOB because they either exceed that limitation (that LONG has), or they have multiple CLOBS in they table.

I've only been briefed of the task ahead. I haven't been given access yet to this db/table to see that actual table structure looks like. I am doing my priliminary research.

Appreaciate any other feedbacks, Thanks.