Are CAST and CONVERT the same in SQL?

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T-SQL Cast versus Convert

What is the major difference between CAST and CONVERT in SQL cause both performs data type conversion?

What do you mean with "*in SQ*L"? SQL is a language and the `convert` thing is not a standard SQL function (operator?) — , Oct 16 '12 at 16:56

score 25 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 16 '12 at 16:58

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CAST and CONVERT have similar functionality. CONVERT is specific to SQL Server, and allows for a greater breadth of flexibility when converting between date and time values, fractional numbers, and monetary signifiers. CAST is the more ANSI-standard of the two functions. Check this blog for examples of using both of those: http://sqltutorials.blogspot.com/2007/06/sql-cast-and-convert.html

answered Oct 16 '12 at 16:58

Marcin S.

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Isn't `CAST` the *only* ANSI-standard of the two functions? – Zack Apr 20 '16 at 21:35

score 9 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 16 '12 at 16:56

9

The convert function can do more complex conversions, for example converting a datetime value into varchar using a specific format:

convert(varchar(16), dateTimeValue, 120)

answered Oct 16 '12 at 16:56

Guffa

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score 3 · Answer 3 · edited Aug 10 '16 at 12:15

Assuming you're talking about SQL Server.

From http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187928.aspx and http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa226054(v=sql.80).aspx

Explicitly converts an expression of one data type to another. CAST and CONVERT provide similar functionality.

So yes, they are functionally the same. They just have different syntax that allows for more complex conversions or (subjectively) improved readability.

Are CAST and CONVERT the same in SQL?

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