So if the data entered by the User is a String (CHAR or VARCHAR) how do I make it into something else (Like an INT or DATE)?

Data that meets the requirements for 2 types ( like a string that looks like a number) can be CAST or CONVERT ed to the other type by using a Function

I don’t get it!

Computers only understand numbers,

The user pressed the “1” key on the keyboard how is that not a Integer equal to the number 1

True Computers only understand numbers, so each key has a numeric value based on the Character Set it is using

In ASCII the Key with the “1” on it will resolve to the Number 31 in the computer

Casting: Turning One Data Type Into Another