How to Convert Strings to Datetime in SQL Server

While converting an arbitrary string to datetime is not uncommon, this question specifically focuses on the syntax for updating a datetime field using a date string in SQL Server.

The syntax for updating a datetime field in SQL Server with a date string is:

UPDATE MyTable SET MyDate = CONVERT(datetime, '2009/07/16 08:28:01', 120)

In this example, the MyDate column in the MyTable table is updated to the datetime value '2009/07/16 08:28:01'. The 120 parameter specifies the input date format string, which corresponds to the format 'YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS'.

For a more comprehensive discussion on the use of CAST and CONVERT, including the various date formatting options, refer to the following Microsoft documentation:

[CAST and CONVERT (Transact-SQL)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/functions/cast-and-convert-transact-sql)