How do I convert a byte array represented as a string into a byte array?

Question

In SQL Server, a varbinary(max) looks like '0xFE12CE34AB27' when looking at query results in a grid result within Management Studio. How can I copy a value looking like that and convert it back into a byte array via C#?

So just to clarify, you're *copying the string value* (e.g. via the clipboard) - this isn't about fetching from the database in C#? — Jon Skeet, Oct 10 '12 at 19:17
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3916049/convert-sql-binary-to-byte-array — mgidell, Oct 10 '12 at 19:17
If you retrieve the value from the database using C# it wont be in a string representation. Also Management Studio might not be showing the complete binary file but rather the first part of it. — Magnus, Oct 10 '12 at 19:18
Jon, you're correct, I'm just trying to copy and paste the value into LinqPad to decode it as I'm just trying to troubleshoot something quickly. — James Alexander, Oct 10 '12 at 19:23

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 10 '12 at 19:20

1

The '0xFE12CE34AB27' string you see is an artifact of the Mgmt Studio.

Your data already is a byte array, don't do anything.

answered Oct 10 '12 at 19:20

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I'm trying to copy the artifact into linqpad as a string. – James Alexander Oct 10 '12 at 19:24
Then say 'via Clipboard', not 'via C#'. Seems like you're using the wrong tool(s) here. – H H Oct 10 '12 at 19:31
@JamesAlexander You are not guaranteed to get the complete binary file if you do it like that. Mgmt Studio cuts the data. – Magnus Oct 10 '12 at 19:43

How do I convert a byte array represented as a string into a byte array?

1 Answers1