How to Convert SQL Server VARBINARY Data to a Human-Readable String?

Converting SQL Server VARBINARY(MAX) to Human-Readable Strings

Need to view your varbinary(max) data in a user-friendly format? This guide shows you how to convert it to a readable string in SQL Server.

The key is using the CONVERT function with the correct style parameter:

SELECT CONVERT(VARCHAR(1000), varbinary_column, 2);

Here's a breakdown:

• VARCHAR(1000): Specifies the desired output data type. Adjust the length (1000) as needed.
• varbinary_column: Replace this with the name of your varbinary(max) column.
• 2: This crucial style parameter instructs CONVERT to use ASCII encoding, producing a human-readable string. Other options include:
  • 0: BASE64 encoding
  • 1: Hexadecimal encoding

Using style 2 ensures the most straightforward, understandable representation of your binary data.

The above is the detailed content of How to Convert SQL Server VARBINARY Data to a Human-Readable String?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!