title: Sql Server string to date conversion
body: <p>I want to convert a string like this:</p>
  
  <pre><code>'10/15/2008 10:06:32 PM'
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>into the equivalent DATETIME value in Sql Server.</p>
  
  <p>In Oracle, I would say this:</p>
  
  <pre><code>TO_DATE('10/15/2008 10:06:32 PM','MM/DD/YYYY HH:MI:SS AM')
  </code></pre>
  
  <p><a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/202243/custom-datetime-formatting-in-sql-server">This question</a> implies that I must parse the string into one of the <a href="http://www.sql-server-helper.com/tips/date-formats.aspx" rel="noreferrer">standard formats</a>, and then convert using one of those codes.  That seems ludicrous for such a mundane operation.  Is there an easier way?</p>