CAST function converts an expression to the specified data type.

Syntax:

CAST(expression AS datatype[(length)]); 

Notes:

• If length is specified for CAST as CHAR or VARCHAR function, the resulting string is truncated to this length.

Example 1:

Convert to a string with the specified length:

CAST('Abc' AS CHAR(1)); 
--
A

Example 2:

Truncate a timestamp string:

CAST(TIMESTAMP '2015-03-12 10:58:34.111' AS CHAR(10));
--
2015-03-12

Compatibility: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Teradata, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Netezza

Version: PL/HQL 0.03