How to change the data type of a field in an existing HighloadBlock bitrix?

Question

1C-Bitrix

The data type in HighloadBlock can only be set for the new field.
I need to change the field type from int to string.

Answer 1

Apparently, the most correct solution would be to write a script in which
1. Collect all the values ​​of this field
2. Create a new field
3. Fill in the new field with values
​​4. Delete the old field
Why so, because the block hl field = user field, and CUserTypeEntity ::Update starts with

unset($arFields["ENTITY_ID"]);
unset($arFields["FIELD_NAME"]);
unset($arFields["USER_TYPE_ID"]);
unset($arFields["MULTIPLE"]);

Those. bitrixoids do not require changing the USER_TYPE_ID field in their api

Answer 2

Change USER_TYPE_ID in the corresponding b_user_field

Then change the field type of the corresponding field in the table

Just keep in mind that the data inside this "column" will be lost