The SQL CAST() and TRY_CAST() both are SQL Conversions Functions and similar to CONVERT() or TRY_CONVERT() functions.
SQL CAST() Function:
The SQL CAST() function is a Conversions Function, using this function you can convert an expression from one data type to another.
If conversion succeeds, function returns the expression in the desired data type, otherwise it returns the Error.
Syntax:
CAST (Expression AS Datatype [(Length)])
Description:
- Expression: Specify any valid expression that you want to convert
- Datatype: Specify the Datatype to which you want to convert the expression
- Length: It is an optional parameter that specifies the length of expression data type
Example:
Conversion success:
SELECT CAST(‘12345’ AS Numeric(18,2)) AS Output_Success;

SQL Cast function
Conversion fail:
SELECT CAST(‘2019-12-26’ AS INT) AS Output_Fail;

SQL Cast function
SQL TRY_CAST() function:
It is similar to the Cast function, using this function you can convert an expression from one data type to another.
If conversion succeeds, function returns the expression in the desired data type, otherwise it returns the null.
Syntax:
TRY_CAST (Expression AS Datatype [(Length)])
Description:
- Expression: Specify any valid expression that you want to convert
- Datatype: Specify the Datatype to which you want to convert the expression
- Length: It is an optional parameter that specifies the length of expression data type
Example:
Conversion success:
SELECT TRY_CAST(‘12345’ AS Numeric(18,2)) AS Output_Success;

SQL Try_Cast Function
Conversion fail:
SELECT TRY_CAST(‘2019-12-26’ AS INT) AS Output_Fail;

SQL Try_Cast Function
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