CAST vs. CONVERT — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 2, 2023

CAST and CONVERT are both SQL functions to change data types. While CAST uses a simpler syntax, CONVERT offers more flexibility with formats, especially for dates.

Difference Between CAST and CONVERT

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

CAST is an SQL function that allows you to change the data type of a column or value in a database. The syntax for CAST is straightforward, typically requiring just the source value and the desired target data type. On the other hand, CONVERT is another SQL function that provides similar functionality but comes with added flexibility, particularly with date and time conversions.

Oct 02, 2023

Using CAST, you can easily change a value's data type with a minimalistic approach. For example, if you want to change a numeric value to a string, you can do so by specifying the target data type in the CAST function. CONVERT, however, goes beyond just basic type conversion. It offers additional arguments, which can be used to format the result, making it especially useful when working with dates.

Oct 02, 2023

In practice, if you're dealing with basic data type changes without the need for specific formatting, CAST will often suffice. However, if you're working with date and time values and need to represent them in a particular format, or if you're dealing with more complex conversions, CONVERT would be more appropriate.

Oct 02, 2023

The key benefit of CAST is its simplicity. For straightforward type conversions, CAST is often the go-to choice because of its uncomplicated syntax. But when more control or specific formatting is required, CONVERT becomes the preferred choice. This is because CONVERT can handle a wider range of data types and offer extended formatting options.

Oct 02, 2023

Both CAST and CONVERT are essential tools in the SQL toolkit. Knowing when to use each one can optimize data processing, improve query performance, and ensure data accuracy.

Oct 02, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Function

Changes data types.

Changes data types with additional formatting.

Oct 02, 2023

Syntax Simplicity

Simple syntax.

More complex with additional options.

Oct 02, 2023

Date and Time Formatting

Limited support.

Extended support for various date/time formats.

Oct 02, 2023

Flexibility

Limited to basic conversions.

Greater flexibility with conversions.

Oct 02, 2023

Usage

Preferred for straightforward type changes.

Used for complex conversions and date formatting.

Oct 02, 2023

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Definitions

Cast

An operation that changes the data type of a value.

She used the CAST function to change the integer into a string in her database.

Sep 30, 2023

Convert

An SQL function that changes data types with additional formatting options.

To format the date properly, she decided to use the CONVERT function.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

A method to transform data into a different format.

The software engineer recommended using CAST to switch from decimal to integer.

Sep 30, 2023

Convert

A versatile tool in SQL for data type change and formatting.

Thanks to CONVERT, the timestamp data was displayed in the desired format.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

A technique to ensure data consistency in programming.

CAST can prevent errors when two different data types need to be compared.

Sep 30, 2023

Convert

A function that offers precision in data transformation.

For specific date formats, it's often better to use CONVERT instead of CAST.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

Throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction

Individuals who do not accept the norms are cast out from the group

He cast the book down on to the chair angrily

The fishermen cast a large net around a school of tuna

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product; transform

Convert water into ice.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface

The moon cast a pale light over the cottages

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another; adapt to a new or different purpose

Convert a forest into farmland.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Discard

He jumped in, casting caution to the wind

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief

Convert pagans to Christianity.

Was converted to pacifism by the war.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mould while molten

When hammered or cast, bronze could be made into tools

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To exchange for something of equal value

Convert assets into cash.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Register (a vote)

Votes have been cast in 40 per cent of the seats

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To express (a quantity) in alternative units

Converting feet into meters.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Cause (a magic spell) to take effect

The city casts a spell on the visitor

The witch cast a spell on her to turn her into a beast

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(Logic) To transform (a proposition) by conversion.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Calculate and record details of (a horoscope)

You can look at the star chart cast at somebody's birth

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(Law) To appropriate (another's property) without right to one's own use.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(in country dancing) change one's position by moving a certain number of places in a certain direction along the outside of the line in which one is dancing

Cross the set and cast down one place

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To complete (a conversion, penalty shot, or free throw) successfully.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(of a dog) search in different directions for a lost scent

The dog cast furiously for the vanished rabbit

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To score (a spare) in bowling.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Immobilize (an animal, especially a cow) by using a rope to cause it to fall on its side.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To undergo a conversion

We converted to Islam several years ago.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Assign a part in a play or film to (an actor)

He was cast as a young knight in her lavish historical epic

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To be converted

A sofa that converts into a bed.

Arms factories converting to peacetime production.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mould

Bronze casts of the sculpture

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(Football) To make a conversion.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An act of throwing something forcefully

He grabbed a spear for a third cast

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(Sports) To shoot and score a goal, especially immediately after receiving a pass or gaining control of a rebound.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The form or appearance of something, especially someone's features or complexion

She had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance

The colours he wore emphasized the olive cast of his skin

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

One who has been converted, especially from one religion or belief to another.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A slight squint

He had a cast in one eye

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To transform or change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product.

A kettle converts water into steam.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Short for worm cast

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another.

He converted his garden into a tennis court.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A wide search made by a hound or pack of hounds to find a trail.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To induce (someone) to adopt a particular religion, faith, ideology or belief see also sense 11.

They converted her to Roman Catholicism on her deathbed.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A pair or group of hawks or falcons

He gave one thousand pounds for a cast of hawks

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To exchange for something of equal value.

We converted our pounds into euros.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The actors taking part in a play, film, or other production

He draws sensitive performances from his inexperienced cast

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To express (a quantity) in alternative units.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw (something, especially something light)

The boy cast stones in the water.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(transitive) To express (a unit of measurement) in terms of another; to furnish a mathematical formula by which a quantity, expressed in the former unit, may be given in the latter.

How do you convert feet into metres?

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw with force; hurl

Waves that cast driftwood far up on the shore.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To appropriate wrongfully or unlawfully; to commit the common law tort of conversion.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw or propel a lure or bait at the end of (a fishing line) into the water so as to catch fish or other aquatic life.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To score extra points after (a try) by completing a conversion.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw (a net), as in fishing; cause to spread out.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To score (especially a penalty kick).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw on the ground, as in wrestling.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To score a spare.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To let fall; drop

Cast anchor.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(intransitive) To undergo a conversion of religion, faith or belief see also sense 3.

We’ve converted to Methodism.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To roll or throw (dice, for example).

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(intransitive) To become converted.

The chair converts into a bed.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To draw (lots).

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To cause to turn; to turn.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To shed; molt

The snake cast its skin.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To deposit or indicate (a ballot or vote).

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To turn into another language; to translate.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To turn or direct

All eyes were cast upon the speaker.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To increase one's individual score, especially from 50 runs (a fifty) to 100 runs (a century), or from a century to a double or triple century.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To cause to fall onto or over something or in a certain direction

Candles casting light.

Trees casting shadows.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To perform the action that an online advertisement is intended to induce; to reach the point of conversion.

Each time a user clicks on one of your adverts, you will be charged the bid amount whether the user converts or not.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To assert in relation to someone or something or cause to be associated

Don't let him cast aspersions on your character. The results cast doubt on our hypothesis.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To transform a material or positional advantage into a win.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To give birth to prematurely

The cow cast a calf.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A person who has converted to a religion.

They were all converts to Islam.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To cause (hunting hounds) to scatter and circle in search of a lost scent.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A person who is now in favour of something that he or she previously opposed or disliked.

I never really liked broccoli before, but now that I've tasted it the way you cook it, I'm a convert!

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To choose actors for (a play, for example).

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

(Canadian football) The equivalent of a conversion in rugby

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To assign a certain role to (an actor)

Cast her as the lead.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To cause to turn; to turn.

O, which way shall I first convert myself?

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To assign an actor to (a part)

Cast each role carefully.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change or turn from one state or condition to another; to alter in form, substance, or quality; to transform; to transmute; as, to convert water into ice.

If the whole atmosphere were converted into water.

That still lessensThe sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To form (liquid metal, for example) into a particular shape by pouring into a mold.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change or turn from one belief or course to another, as from one religion to another or from one party or sect to another.

No attempt was made to convert the Moslems.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To make (an object) by casting liquid metal.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To produce the spiritual change called conversion in (any one); to turn from a bad life to a good one; to change the heart and moral character of (any one) from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness.

He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To arrange or devise

Cast the book in three parts.

Cast a plan.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To apply to any use by a diversion from the proper or intended use; to appropriate dishonestly or illegally.

When a bystander took a coin to get it changed, and converted it, [it was] held no larceny.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To calculate or compute; add up (a column of figures).

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To exchange for some specified equivalent; as, to convert goods into money.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To calculate astrologically

Cast my horoscope.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To warp; twist

Floorboards cast by age.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To turn into another language; to translate.

Which story . . . Catullus more elegantly converted.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(Nautical) To turn (a ship); change to the opposite tack.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

To be turned or changed in character or direction; to undergo a change, physically or morally.

If Nebo had had the preaching that thou hast, they [the Neboites] would have converted.

A red dust which converth into worms.

The public hopeAnd eye to thee converting.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw something, especially to throw out a lure or bait at the end of a fishing line.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A person who is converted from one opinion or practice to another; a person who is won over to, or heartily embraces, a creed, religious system, or party, in which he has not previously believed; especially, one who turns from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness, or from unbelief to Christianity.

The Jesuits did not persuade the converts to lay aside the use of images.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To add a column of figures; make calculations.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A lay friar or brother, permitted to enter a monastery for the service of the house, but without orders, and not allowed to sing in the choir.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To receive form or shape in a mold

A material that casts well.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A person who has been converted to another religious or political belief

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To become warped.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Change the nature, purpose, or function of something;

Convert lead into gold

Convert hotels into jails

Convert slaves to laborers

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To search for a lost scent in hunting with hounds.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy;

We converted from 220 to 110 Volt

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To veer to leeward from a former course; fall off.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Change religious beliefs, or adopt a religious belief;

She converted to Buddhism

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To put about; tack.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;

Could you convert my dollars into pounds?

He changed his name

Convert centimeters into inches

Convert holdings into shares

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To choose actors for the parts in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Cause to adopt a new or different faith;

The missionaries converted the Indian population

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act or an instance of casting or throwing.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Score an extra point or points after touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights or advancing the ball into the endzone;

Smith converted and his team won

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act or an instance of throwing a fishing line or net into the water.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Complete successfully;

Score a penalty shot or free throw

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The line or net thrown.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Score (a spare)

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The distance covered by a throw.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something;

He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A throw of dice.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Exchange a penalty for a less severe one

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The number on dice facing up when thrown.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

Change in nature, purpose, or function; especially undergo a chemical change;

The substance converts to an acid

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A stroke of fortune or fate; a lot.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A method to transform and format data in databases.

When the standard conversion didn't work, CONVERT provided the necessary flexibility.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

Something, such as molted skin, that is thrown off, out, or away.

Sep 17, 2021

Convert

A technique to ensure accurate data representation in SQL.

She used CONVERT to not only change the data type but also to format it correctly.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

A piece of excrement produced by an earthworm.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A direction or expression of the eyes.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A slight squint.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The addition of a column of figures; calculation.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A conjecture; a forecast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act of pouring molten material into a mold.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The amount of molten material poured into a mold at a single operation.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Something formed by this means or in a mold or matrix

The sculpture was a bronze cast. They made a cast of her face.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A rigid dressing, usually made of gauze and plaster of Paris, used to immobilize an injured body part, as in a fracture or dislocation. Also called plaster cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The form in which something is made or constructed; arrangement

The close-set cast of her features.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Outward form or look; appearance

A suit of stylish cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Sort; type

Fancied himself to be of a macho cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An inclination; tendency

Her thoughtful cast of mind.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The actors in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A slight trace of color; a tinge.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A distortion of shape.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The circling of hounds to pick up a scent in hunting.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A pair of hawks released by a falconer at one time.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(physical) To move, or be moved, away.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw forward (a fishing line, net etc.) into the sea.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw down or aside.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(of an animal) To throw off (the skin) as a process of growth; to shed the hair or fur of the coat.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To remove, take off (clothes).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(nautical) To heave the lead and line in order to ascertain the depth of water.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(obsolete) To vomit.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(archaic) To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(archaic) To throw out or emit; to exhale.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To direct (one's eyes, gaze etc.).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(dated) To add up (a column of figures, accounts etc.); cross-cast refers to adding up a row of figures.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(social) To predict, to decide, to plan.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(astrology) To calculate the astrological value of (a horoscope, birth etc.).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(obsolete) To plan, intend.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(transitive) To assign (a role in a play or performance).

The director cast the part carefully.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(transitive) To assign a role in a play or performance to (an actor).

The director cast John Smith as King Lear.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan.

To cast about for reasons

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(archaic) To impose; to bestow; to rest.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(archaic) To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict.

To be cast in damages

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide.

A casting voice

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To perform, bring forth (a magical spell or enchantment).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw (light etc.) on or upon something, or in a given direction.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(archaic) To give birth to (a child) prematurely; to miscarry.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To shape (molten metal etc.) by pouring into a mould; to make (an object) in such a way.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To stereotype or electrotype.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To twist or warp (of fabric, timber etc.).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(nautical) To bring the bows of a sailing ship on to the required tack just as the anchor is weighed by use of the headsail; to bring (a ship) round.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To deposit (a ballot or voting paper); to formally register (one's vote).

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(computing) To change a variable type from, for example, integer to real, or integer to text.

Casting is generally an indication of bad design.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(hunting) Of dogs, hunters: to spread out and search for a scent.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(medicine) To set (a bone etc.) in a cast.

Some are still missing examples

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(Wicca) To open a circle in order to begin a spell or meeting of witches.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(media) To broadcast (video) over the Internet or a local network, especially to one's television.

The streamer was the first to cast footage of the new game.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An act of throwing.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(fishing) An instance of throwing out a fishing line.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Something which has been thrown, dispersed etc.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A small mass of earth "thrown off" or excreted by a worm.

The area near the stream was covered with little bubbly worm casts.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The collective group of actors performing a play or production together. Contrasted with crew.

He’s in the cast of Oliver.

The cast was praised for a fine performance.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The casting procedure.

The men got into position for the cast, two at the ladle, two with long rods, all with heavy clothing.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An object made in a mould.

The cast would need a great deal of machining to become a recognizable finished part.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A supportive and immobilising device used to help mend broken bones.

The doctor put a cast on the boy’s broken arm.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The mould used to make cast objects.

A plaster cast was made from his face.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(hawking) The number of hawks (or occasionally other birds) cast off at one time; a pair.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A squint.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Visual appearance.

Her features had a delicate cast to them.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The form of one's thoughts, mind etc.

A cast of mind, a mental tendency.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Animal and insect remains which have been regurgitated by a bird.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A group of crabs.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Of an animal, such as a horse or sheep: Lying in a position from which it cannot rise on its own.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To send or drive by force; to throw; to fling; to hurl; to impel.

Uzziah prepared . . . slings to cast stones.

Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

We must be cast upon a certain island.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To direct or turn, as the eyes.

How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To drop; to deposit; as, to cast a ballot.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw down, as in wrestling.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.

Thine enemies shall cast a trench [bank] about thee.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw off; to eject; to shed; to lose.

His filth within being cast.

Neither shall your vine cast her fruit.

The creatures that cast the skin are the snake, the viper, etc.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To bring forth prematurely; to slink.

Thy she-goats have not cast their young.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw out or emit; to exhale.

This . . . casts a sulphureous smell.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To cause to fall; to shed; to reflect; to throw; as, to cast a ray upon a screen; to cast light upon a subject.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To impose; to bestow; to rest.

The government I cast upon my brother.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To dismiss; to discard; to cashier.

The state can not with safety cast him.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To compute; to reckon; to calculate; as, to cast a horoscope.

You cast the event of war, my noble lord.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To contrive; to plan.

The cloister . . . had, I doubt not, been cast for [an orange-house].

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict; as, to be cast in damages.

She was cast to be hanged.

Were the case referred to any competent judge, they would inevitably be cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide; as, a casting voice.

How much interest casts the balance in cases dubious!

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To form into a particular shape, by pouring liquid metal or other material into a mold; to fashion; to found; as, to cast bells, stoves, bullets.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To stereotype or electrotype.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To fix, distribute, or allot, as the parts of a play among actors; also to assign (an actor) for a part.

Our parts in the other world will be new cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To throw, as a line in angling, esp, with a fly hook.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To turn the head of a vessel around from the wind in getting under weigh.

Weigh anchor, cast to starboard.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan; as, to cast about for reasons.

She . . . cast in her mind what manner of salution this should be.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To calculate; to compute.

Who would cast and balance at a desk.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To receive form or shape in a mold.

It will not run thin, so as to cast and mold.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To warp; to become twisted out of shape.

Stuff is said to cast or warp when . . . it alters its flatness or straightness.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

To vomit.

These verses . . . make me ready to cast.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act of casting or throwing; a throw.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The thing thrown.

A cast of dreadful dust.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The distance to which a thing is or can be thrown.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A throw of dice; hence, a chance or venture.

An even cast whether the army should march this way or that way.

I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

That which is throw out or off, shed, or ejected; as, the skin of an insect, the refuse from a hawk's stomach, the excrement of a earthworm.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act of casting in a mold.

And why such daily cast of brazen cannon.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An impression or mold, taken from a thing or person; amold; a pattern.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

That which is formed in a mild; esp. a reproduction or copy, as of a work of art, in bronze or plaster, etc.; a casting.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Form; appearence; mien; air; style; as, a peculiar cast of countenance.

An heroic poem, but in another cast and figure.

And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A tendency to any color; a tinge; a shade.

Gray with a cast of green.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A chance, opportunity, privilege, or advantage; specifically, an opportunity of riding; a lift.

We bargained with the driver to give us a cast to the next stage.

If we had the cast o' a cart to bring it.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The assignment of parts in a play to the actors.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A flight or a couple or set of hawks let go at one time from the hand.

As when a cast of falcons make their flight.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A stoke, touch, or trick.

This was a cast of Wood's politics; for his information was wholly false.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A motion or turn, as of the eye; direction; look; glance; squint.

The cast of the eye is a gesture of aversion.

And let you see with one cast of an eye.

This freakish, elvish cast came into the child's eye.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A tube or funnel for conveying metal into a mold.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Four; that is, as many as are thrown into a vessel at once in counting herrings, etc; a warp.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Contrivance; plot, design.

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The actors in a play

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The distinctive form in which a thing is made;

Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The visual appearance of something or someone;

The delicate cast of his features

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Object formed by a mold

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act of throwing dice

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

The act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

A violent throw

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Put or send forth;

She threw the flashlight beam into the corner

The setting sun threw long shadows

Cast a spell

Cast a warm light

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Deposit;

Cast a vote

Cast a ballot

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet;

He cast a young woman in the role of Desdemona

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Throw forcefully

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors;

Who cast this beautiful movie?

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment;

The gypsies roamed the woods

Roving vagabonds

The wandering Jew

The cattle roam across the prairie

The laborers drift from one town to the next

They rolled from town to town

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold;

Cast a bronze sculpture

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Get rid of;

He shed his image as a pushy boss

Shed your clothes

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Choose at random;

Draw a card

Cast lots

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Formulate in a particular style or language;

I wouldn't put it that way

She cast her request in very polite language

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;

After drinking too much, the students vomited

He purged continuously

The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

(of molten metal or glass) formed by pouring or pressing into a mold

Sep 17, 2021

Cast

An SQL function to modify data types in a database.

The database returned an error until he used CAST to correct the data type mismatch.

Sep 30, 2023

Cast

A process of altering one data type to another.

For better data visualization, it's sometimes essential to CAST numbers as strings.

Sep 30, 2023

FAQs

Is the function of CAST limited to SQL?

While CAST is common in SQL, the concept of type casting is present in many programming languages.

Oct 02, 2023

Which is simpler to use: CAST or CONVERT?

CAST has a simpler syntax, making it easier for straightforward conversions.

Oct 02, 2023

What is the primary purpose of CAST in SQL?

CAST is used to change the data type of a column or value in SQL.

Oct 02, 2023

Does CAST support date formatting?

CAST offers limited date formatting support compared to CONVERT.

Oct 02, 2023

Are there performance differences between CAST and CONVERT?

Generally, performance differences are minimal, but it may vary based on specific database systems and contexts.

Oct 02, 2023

How do I decide between using CAST and CONVERT?

Consider the conversion complexity; use CAST for basic changes and CONVERT for added flexibility and formatting.

Oct 02, 2023

Can CONVERT handle all the conversions that CAST can?

Yes, CONVERT can handle all CAST conversions and offers additional formatting options.

Oct 02, 2023

How does CONVERT differ from CAST?

CONVERT offers additional formatting options, especially for dates, compared to CAST.

Oct 02, 2023

Are there any data types that CONVERT can handle that CAST cannot?

Both can handle common data types, but CONVERT offers better control over date and time formatting.

Oct 02, 2023

Can both CAST and CONVERT be used in any SQL database?

While common in many SQL databases, their exact implementation and support might vary across different database systems.

Oct 02, 2023

Are there any risks associated with using CAST and CONVERT?

Yes, incorrect usage can lead to data loss or errors, so it's essential to understand the source and target data types.

Oct 02, 2023

When should I prefer CONVERT over CAST?

CONVERT should be preferred when specific formatting, especially for date/time, is required.

Oct 02, 2023

Can I use CAST and CONVERT interchangeably?

While they can often be used interchangeably, CONVERT is recommended for more complex conversions and formatting.

Oct 02, 2023

In which scenarios is CAST more beneficial than CONVERT?

In scenarios where simple type conversion without formatting is needed, CAST is more beneficial.

Oct 02, 2023

What happens if a conversion is not possible using CAST or CONVERT?

Both functions may return an error if a conversion is not possible or if it results in data loss.

Oct 02, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.