How do I convert a byte array represented as a string into a byte array?

Question

In SQL Server, a varbinary(max) looks like '0xFE12CE34AB27' when looking at query results in a grid result within Management Studio. How can I copy a value looking like that and convert it back into a byte array via C#?

So just to clarify, you're copying the string value (e.g. via the clipboard) - this isn't about fetching from the database in C#? — Jon Skeet
– Jon Skeet, Commented Oct 10, 2012 at 19:17
If you retrieve the value from the database using C# it wont be in a string representation. Also Management Studio might not be showing the complete binary file but rather the first part of it. — Magnus
– Magnus, Commented Oct 10, 2012 at 19:18
Jon, you're correct, I'm just trying to copy and paste the value into LinqPad to decode it as I'm just trying to troubleshoot something quickly. — James Alexander
– James Alexander, Commented Oct 10, 2012 at 19:23

Henk Holterman · Accepted Answer · 2012-10-10 19:20:08Z

1

The '0xFE12CE34AB27' string you see is an artifact of the Mgmt Studio.

Your data already is a byte array, don't do anything.

answered Oct 10, 2012 at 19:20

Henk Holterman

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3 Comments

James Alexander Over a year ago

I'm trying to copy the artifact into linqpad as a string.

Henk Holterman Over a year ago

Then say 'via Clipboard', not 'via C#'. Seems like you're using the wrong tool(s) here.

Magnus Over a year ago

@JamesAlexander You are not guaranteed to get the complete binary file if you do it like that. Mgmt Studio cuts the data.

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