CONVERT in MySQL - Examples & AI Generator

The CONVERT function in MySQL is essential for changing data types—dates, strings, numbers, and more. Yet, remembering exact MySQL CONVERT syntax or switching from another database (like SQL Server or PostgreSQL) can slow down real work on production SQL. AI2sql lets you skip manual lookup: just describe what you want, and get instant, production-ready CONVERT queries with no coding required.

CONVERT Syntax in MySQL

General Structure

CONVERT(expression, data_type[(length)])

MySQL uses CONVERT() to cast data expressions. Common usages include number-to-text, string-to-date, and changing character sets.

• expression: The value to convert

• data_type: Target type (e.g., CHAR, DATE, DECIMAL, SIGNED)

Tip: MySQL's CONVERT syntax differs from other databases, especially in data_type keywords.

CONVERT Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Here are ready-made, business-focused CONVERT MySQL examples:

• Convert order totals from string to decimal:

  SELECT order_id, CONVERT(total_amount, DECIMAL(10,2)) AS total 
  FROM orders 
  WHERE status = 'completed';

• Change signup_date from string to DATE for customers:

  SELECT customer_id, CONVERT(signup_date, DATE) AS registration_date 
  FROM customers 
  WHERE CONVERT(signup_date, DATE) > '2023-01-01';

• Convert product descriptions to UTF8 charset:

  SELECT product_name, CONVERT(description USING utf8) AS desc_utf8 
  FROM products;

Generate CONVERT queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual CONVERT Coding

• Instant generation: Get MySQL CONVERT syntax correct on any data in 10 seconds—zero need to memorize details or Google for edge cases.

• No coding required: Enter natural-language prompts ("Convert string to date for all active orders") and let AI2sql handle complex syntax.

• Consistent accuracy: Switch between PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and MySQL without worrying about subtle CONVERT differences.

• Trusted globally: 50,000+ users across 80+ countries use AI2sql for fast, reliable SQL query generation.

Try AI2sql Generator  |  Learn CONVERT

FAQ

• Can I use CONVERT for date/time formatting in MySQL?
  Yes. Use CONVERT(date_string, DATE) to cast a string to a date value.

• How is MySQL CONVERT different from CAST?
  Both work for type conversion, but their syntax and supported types differ slightly. CONVERT also supports charset changes (CONVERT(col USING utf8)).

• Can AI2sql generate bulk CONVERT queries for my dataset?
  Yes—describe your source and target fields, and AI2sql generates optimized CONVERT statements instantly.

Conclusion

The MySQL CONVERT function lets you shift seamlessly between data types and character sets, a must in business data transformation workflows. But syntax can be fiddly and error-prone. With AI2sql, you skip manual coding—describe what you want in plain English and get the exact CONVERT query you need in 10 seconds. Join 50,000+ SQL users who generate production-ready code, not syntax typos. Generate Your First Query Now.