<listitem>

<para>

A separator (a space oranon-letter/non-digit character) in the template string of

A separator (a space or non-letter/non-digit character) in the template string of

<function>to_timestamp</function> and <function>to_date</function>

matches any single separator in the input string or is skipped,

unless the <literal>FX</literal> option is used.

exceeds the number of separators in the template.

</para>

<para>

If <literal>FX</literal> is specified, separator in template string

matchestoexactly one character in input string. Notice we don't insist

input string charactertobe the same as template string separator.

If <literal>FX</literal> is specified,aseparator in the template string

matches exactly one character in input string. Notice we don't insist the

input string character be the same as the template string separator.

For example, <literal>to_timestamp('2000/JUN', 'FXYYYY MON')</literal>

works, but <literal>to_timestamp('2000/JUN', 'FXYYYY&nbsp;&nbsp;MON')</literal>

returns an error becausea spacesecond template string space consumed

letter <literal>J</literal>from the input string.

returns an error becausethesecond template string space is consumed

by theletter <literal>J</literal>in the input string.

</para>

</listitem>

<listitem>

<para>

<literal>TZH</literal> template pattern can match a signed number.

Without the <literal>FX</literal> option, itmay lead to ambiguity in

A<literal>TZH</literal> template pattern can match a signed number.

Without the <literal>FX</literal> option, itcan lead to ambiguity in

interpretation of the minus sign, which can also be interpreted as a separator.

This ambiguity is resolved as follows. If the number of separators before

This ambiguity is resolved as follows: If the number of separators before

<literal>TZH</literal> in the template string is less than the number of

separators before the minus sign in the input string, the minus sign

is interpreted as part of <literal>TZH</literal>.