CONVERT

Use the CONVERT script function to convert the data type of a value. The script function lets you convert values that have been specified directly, or through a script variable. The script function returns the value with the converted data type. Assign the return code of the script function to a variable to use the converted value.

Important! Ensure that the data types match, as mismatches can cause errors:

  • The data type of the value you want to convert must match the data type of the target variable.
  • The data type you specify in the script function must match the data type of the target variable.

Notes:

  • You can only convert a string to a number if the string consists of a number in a format that is valid for the target variable.
  • When you convert a higher number type to a lower one, decimal numbers are rounded, and signs are removed.
  • You cannot convert negative numbers with this script function.

Syntax

CONVERT (Data type, value)

Parameters

  • CONVERT
    Converts the data type of a value

  • Data type
    Data type to which you want to convert the value
    Allowed values:

    • unsigned
      positive integers without signs
    • signed
      integers with signs
    • float
      floating-point number
    • string
      string, text
    Note: Specify the data type without quotation marks.

  • value
    Value whose data type you want to convert
    Format: script literal or script variable
    Note: Enclose numbers in quotation marks.


Example

The following script converts a positive integer into a string.

:define &unsigned#, unsigned
:define &string#, string

:set &unsigned# = 12
:set &string# = CONVERT(string, &unsigned#)

The following script converts a string to a number. This conversion is possible because the string in the example consists of a number in a format that is valid for the target data type.

:define &unsigned#, unsigned
:define &string#, string

:set &string# = "1234"
:set &unsigned# = CONVERT(unsigned,&string#)

See also: