data type conversion

The process of interpreting and storing a value of one data type as some other data type; sometimes called simply data conversion. The pairs of data types for which data conversion is possible without error are called compatible data types. This process can be automatic or explicit. 4GL performs some automatic data conversion in expressions and assignment. It also provides facilities to perform some explicit data conversion (for example the EXTEND( ) function). In addition, the LIKE keyword, when used in a variable definition, provides indirect data typing.

See also column, data type, define, indirect typing.