SQL IsNumeric(), shouldn't it return a bit?

Question

I'm just curious to know why SQL IsNumeric() returns int instead of bit? Seems like it should return a bit.

Answer 1

Hm, yes, I agree with you, it would be more logical if it would return a bit. But in the end, it doesn't matter, does it?

Answer 2

The bit data type was added comparatively recently in the evolution of Transact-SQL. You will find that a lot of system functions were at least designed, if not added, before bit was added. I have noticed that quite a few system procedures added since then do take bit parameters where appropriate.