PRB: CONVERTing Character to an Integer Causes Syntax Error

Last reviewed: April 25, 1997
Article ID: Q47180

The information in this article applies to:

  - Microsoft SQL Server version 4.2 for OS/2
  - Microsoft SQL Server version 4.2

SYMPTOMS

According to the "Microsoft SQL Server Language Reference," you can convert from a character to an integer. However, the following statement,

   select convert(int,'A')

causes the following error:

   Msg 249, Level 16, State 1
   Syntax error converting CHAR value 'A' to an INT4 field

CAUSE

A convert() from a char to an integer can only be done if it "makes sense." For example, you can convert the character "1" (one) to an integer, but you cannot convert the letter "A". For example

   select convert(int,'1')

returns 1 as expected.

WORKAROUND

To return the ASCII numerical representation of a letter, use the ascii() function. For example

   select ascii('A')

returns 65.

Additional query words: Transact-SQL Windows NT
Keywords : kbother SSrvGen SSrvServer SSrvWinNT
Platform : OS/2 Windows
Issue type : kberrmsg

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Last reviewed: April 25, 1997
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