How to convert string to bytes32 in web3js?

Question

I have a contract with a public variable that's bytes32. If I enter the value 20160528 then it auto converts to bytes32. Is there anyway to convert it back from the nodejs terminal? I've been trying

web3.toAscii(testInstance.Date.call()) 

but it just gives me nonsense. Here is the the test code:

contract test {
  bytes32 public Date;

  function test(bytes32 _date){
      Date=_date; 
  }
}

Answer 1

For web3 0.x:

You need to use web3.fromAscii(val) to write correct bytes32 input to contract.

And you are right, anyone can read it with web3.toAscii(val).

Full web3.js code in terms of your designations:

//sets bytes32
testInstance.test.sendTransaction(web3.fromAscii("20160528"), options);

//gets bytes32
testInstance.Date.call(function(err, val) {
    if  (err) console.log(err);
    console.log(web3.toAscii(val));
    // will print "20160528"
 });

For web3 1.0:

Note: fromAscii has been deprecated

You need to use web3.utils.asciiToHex(val) to write correct bytes32 input to contract.

And you are right, anyone can read it with web3.utils.hexToAscii(val).

Full web3.js code in terms of your designations:

//sets bytes32
testInstance.methods.test(web3.utils.asciiToHex("20160528")).send(options);

//gets bytes32
testInstance.methods.Date().call(function(err, val) {
    if  (err) console.log(err);
    console.log(web3.utils.hexToAscii(val));
    // will print "20160528"
 });