Difference between “Data Conversion” and “Derived Column” transformations

Data Conversion transformation is used to convert the data type of a column. Same operation can be done using “Derived Column “transformation using typecast but derived column can also be used to add / create a new column by manipulating the existing column based on expressions.

We have to choose “Data Conversion” when the requirement is only intended to change the data type. In other words “Data Conversion” is introduced just for developer convenience as it’s a direct method where as in “Derived Column” we have to use an expression to change the data type of a column.

From 2008 in “Derived Column” transformation, data type and length information is read only, when we create a new column or created from existing, data type would be assigned based on the expression outcome and the data type is a read-only column.

To change the data type we have to use “Data Conversion” transformation.