Preface:
If i apply a CAST sequence: CAST(CAST(CAST(...CAST(
and all the intermediate CAST are
F - given Full conversion without loss of
I aspected that the result is the same one of that one obtained making a cast directed only one.

VFP not respect this invariance rule.

Example:

CLEAR
t=DATETIME()
? CAST(m.t AS D)=CAST(CAST(m.t AS C(18)) AS D) && aspected true

? 'DIRECT CAST T -> D'				,CAST(m.t AS D)
? 'NO LOSS INTERMEDIATE CAST T -> C -> D'	,CAST(CAST(m.t AS C(18)) AS D)

Fabio