# PAD\_LEFT

### Description

`PAD_LEFT` pads a string on the left side with a fill character until it reaches the given width. If the string is already at or longer than the specified width, it is returned unchanged. The fill character defaults to a space if not provided.

### Syntax

```
PAD_LEFT(string, width, fill_char?)
```

**Returns:** A string padded on the left to the specified width.

### Example

```
PAD_LEFT('42', 5)
```

This returns `' 42'` — three spaces are added on the left to reach a total length of 5.

### Example with custom fill character

```
PAD_LEFT('42', 5, '0')
```

This returns `'00042'`.


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