---
title: IConverter
summary: API reference for IConverter.
status: draft
owner: <owner>
last_reviewed: 2026-07-23
library: SAIF.Framework.BaseN
reference_type: package
---

# IConverter

`IConverter` defines the conversion contract implemented by all base-N converters in this library. It exists so that calling code (via the `BaseNConverter` extension methods) can operate against any base without knowing the concrete converter type.

## Purpose
- Declare the members every base-N converter must provide: its numeric base, alpha↔numeric digit conversion, and array-to-string formatting.

## Context
- Namespace: `SAIF.Framework.BaseN`
- Assembly/package: `SAIF.Framework.BaseN` (also bundled into the `SAIF.BOF.Framework` NuGet package)

## Public members
| Member | Signature | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `Base` | `ReadOnly Property Base() As Integer` | Returns the numeric base (radix) of the converter (e.g., 2, 8, 16, 26). |
| `ConvertNumericToAlpha` | `Function ConvertNumericToAlpha(ByVal input As Integer) As String` | Converts a single numeric digit value to its alpha (string) representation. |
| `ConvertAlphaToNumeric` | `Function ConvertAlphaToNumeric(ByVal input As String) As Integer` | Converts a single alpha/numeric character to its numeric digit value. |
| `FormatBaseN` | `Function FormatBaseN(ByVal values As Integer()) As String` | Renders an array of numeric digit values as a final BaseN string. |

## Behavioral notes
- Implementations are expected to be stateless; `Base` is read-only, so a converter represents a single, fixed numeric base for its lifetime.*
- `BinaryConverter`, `OctalConverter`, `HexConverter`, and `ExcelConverter` are the four concrete implementations shipped in this library; `ConverterBase` provides a reusable default implementation for most members.

## Constraints and usage notes
- Callers typically do not invoke `IConverter` members directly; the `BaseNConverter` extension methods (`BaseNToDecimal`, `DecimalToBaseN`) orchestrate calls into an `IConverter` instance on the caller's behalf.

> **Note:** Statements marked with * were inferred from code structure, naming conventions, or
> contextual evidence where direct confirmation was not available in source artifacts. Statements
> marked with ** could not be confirmed; treat as unknown until verified. Statements marked with
> † were retrieved from dependency library documentation via the Legends CLI RAG service. They
> describe inherited behavior from the indicated origin library and should be verified if the
> dependency version changes.

## Sources
- `SAIF.Framework.BaseN\IConverter.vb`