How Can I Convert a VARCHAR Date to DATETIME in SQL Server and Format the Output?

Converting Varchar to Datetime in SQL Server

When working with date and time data stored in a varchar format, it is often necessary to convert it to the datetime data type. This allows for easier manipulation and querying of the data using the appropriate SQL functions.

Problem: Converting Varchar Date to Datetime

Suppose you have a varchar column containing dates in the format '2011-09-28 18:01:00'. Your requirement is to convert this varchar date to the datetime data type and display it in the format '28-09-2011 18:01:00'.

Solution: Using CONVERT Function

To achieve this conversion, you can use the CONVERT function in SQL Server. The CONVERT function allows you to change the data type of an expression to a specified data type.

For the date conversion, you will use the following syntax:

CONVERT(Datetime, varchar_expression, style)

For the Italian date format conversion, use the following syntax:

CONVERT(VARCHAR(30), @date, 105) + ' ' + CONVERT(VARCHAR(30), @date, 108)

Where:

• varchar_expression is the varchar expression containing the date you want to convert.
• style is an optional argument that specifies the format of the converted datetime value. For the desired format, use style 120.
• @date is the parameter containing the date you want to convert.
• 105 is the style code for the Italian date format.
• 108 is the style code for the full date format (with time/minutes/seconds).

By using the CONVERT function in this manner, you can effectively convert your varchar date to the datetime data type and format it as required.

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