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224. CONVERT Function

Learn how SQL Server uses CONVERT to change data types and format certain values.

📘 Lesson 224 of 728 ⏱ 9 min 🎯 Intermediate

CONVERT is a SQL Server function used to convert an expression from one data type to another and can also support style codes for certain date and time conversions.

SQL Server data often requires explicit type conversion when combining, comparing, calculating, or formatting values.

Convert a date into a character representation using SQL Server.

SQL 
SELECT
    CONVERT(VARCHAR(10), OrderDate, 120) AS OrderDateText
FROM Orders;

CONVERT is useful in SQL Server reporting, data transformation, date formatting, and type conversion.

  • CONVERT is commonly associated with SQL Server.
  • It converts one data type to another.
  • It supports style options for some conversions.
  • It is useful for date formatting.
  • Syntax differs from other database systems.
What is CONVERT used for?

CONVERT changes an expression from one data type to another in SQL Server.

What is one difference between CAST and CONVERT?

CAST is standardized SQL syntax, while CONVERT is commonly associated with SQL Server and provides additional formatting options.

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