Converting Datatypes

[melbert2002]

Hello all,
I have a very large fixed length field text file that I have to import on a regular basis. When I import the data into my database this is fine, but what I need to do is change the data type.

Here is what I want to do:
1. Import the data to a temp_table
2. Transform data (ie char -> varchar)
3. Move data to real_table
4. Truncate temp_table

What is the best stratagy for doing this. I know about alter table but is there another way of doing this? I have to transform 205 columns everytime.

thanks
Mel

Thanks

 

[DrSql]

Try Cast or conver as you desire.
Here is an example of cast.
select Cast (field1 as char (5)) from table1

Dr.Sql
Good Luck.

 

[melbert2002]

Cool,
Now when I do this for each field, do I do the following:

select Cast (field1 as char (5),
field2 as varchar (10),
field3 as int (1)
) from table1


Thanks

mel

 

[Rhys666]

select 
    Cast(field1 as char (5)) as 'field1',
    Cast(field2 as varchar (10)) as 'field2',
    Cast(field3 as int (1)) as 'field3'
from 
    table1

Rhys
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