Oracle - Autonumber, but not quite

[rolfman22]

This is probably simple for you guys, but being very new to Oracle, here is my question...

I have a number field, and it cannot be null.

If someone wants to insert a record, and leaves that number field null, I want the number field to have the next available number inserted automatically.

How do I make this statement?

It's kind of like an auto number, but I still want the capability to put my own "special" number in. Basically, I don't want every record autonumbered.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advanced!

[jkoopmann]

sounds like you need a combination of a sequence number and trigger put on this table that will fire when an insert is done.
the sequence number will allow you to put the "next available nubmer" and then you can put logic into the trigger for your "special" numbers.

[skhanal]

If you don't want duplicate number then you have to check if auto generated number is already used as a special number.