Using the TSQL Convert Function

Converting to and from various data types is every day stuff for most of us, things like converting numbers to strings so we can concatenate them. We'll show you a few different examples of using Convert, and we'll look at an unusual result you can get in a couple uncommon situations. Good basic TSQL, stuff it's worth while to master.

Andy Warren is a software trainer focusing on SQL Server, a member of the PASS Board of Directors, and a principal in this site - SQLShare.com.

Robert Djabarov on 12/27/2010

Could have explained under what circumstances omitting the length specifications for VARCHAR determines predefined length of the resulting variable/field.

Ludwig on 12/27/2010

good job!

viswanathan on 12/27/2010

thanks this video useful for me.

Gil on 12/28/2010

Instead of saying that you don't need to specify the length of a varchar, you should probably say that you don't need to specify the length if the length will be 30 characters or less, because the default length is 30.

kalapala baburao on 12/29/2010

good

Derek on 12/29/2010

Nice things to remember.

Diana Dee on 12/30/2010

(1) varchar with no length specified in CAST and CONVERT has default length 30. In mu opinion, it would have been better if you had said that. (2) I don't know if you had mentioned precision and scale definitions in the past for the decimal data type. In my opinion, it would have been better to say that the default scale of decimal is zero.

Bridget on 1/3/2011

very useful

Lonnie Meinke on 1/3/2011

Would like to see another more in-depth version on errors and how to handle/trouble shoot for different conversions (primarliy varchar to currency or decimal). For example often a conversion to currency will work where a conversion to a decimal(18,6) will fail. Thanks, Lonnie

huruy yohannes on 1/3/2011

Would be nice to look at the executed text while looking at the results in some of the examples. but overall great tutorial as always.

Shellz on 1/3/2011

This video reminds you that it's the details that can take you down. Thank you!

JR on 2/8/2011

Need more about converting dates, striping out time

Maurice Ivory on 2/11/2011

This one was great, I actually learned something!!

Tony Bromirski on 8/1/2011

Short, clear and to the point!