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Home/Questions/SQL/Duplicate characters in a string (e.g., '123a!' to '112233aa!!').

Duplicate characters in a string (e.g., '123a!' to '112233aa!!').

SQLmedium0.3 min read

Reviewed by Aditya Kumar · Last reviewed 2026-03-24

**Architectural Logic**: Character duplication is a string transform; SQL capabilities vary. **PostgreSQL**: `SELECT regexp_replace('123a!', '(.)', '\1\1', 'g')`. **Spark**: `regexp_replace(col("str"), "(.)", "$1$1")`. **Python**: `''.join(c*2 for c in s)`. **Why Choose**: SQL...

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Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
487
questions in SQL
Difficulty Split
130E|271M|86H
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Total Bank
1,863
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Expert Answer
64 words

Architectural Logic: Character duplication is a string transform; SQL capabilities vary. PostgreSQL: SELECT regexp_replace('123a!', '(.)', '\1\1', 'g'). Spark: regexp_replace(col("str"), "(.)", "$1$1"). Python: ''.join(c*2 for c in s). Why Choose: SQL regex works in many dialects; application layer clearer for complex manipulation. Scalability: For bulk, prefer batch processing in Spark/Python; SQL for inline transforms. Cost: UDF invocations in serverless add cost; native functions when possible.

⚡
Pro Tip

Red Flag: Complex recursive CTE for simple string op—overkill. Pro-Move: Use regex when available; application layer for pipelines; know dialect-specific functions.

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According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked SQL interview questions, reported at 1 company. DataEngPrep.tech maintains an editor-reviewed database of 1,863 data engineering interview questions across 7 categories.

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