Archives

The List

« CONCAT_WS :: MySQL Function of the Day | Main | MySQL Pop Quiz #14 »

LOWER() :: MySQL Function of the Day

By Carsten | March 10, 2008

Function name: LOWER()
Aliases: LCASE()
Function type: String function
Purpose: convert a string to lowercase

Description: LOWER() converts a string to lowercase, so e.g. LOWER(’BitByBit) = ‘bitbybit’.

Un-exiting as this function may seem, it has several practical uses. One of them is to ensure that data such as e-mail addresses and user names may be stored and compared in a consistent manner. Another is that LOWER() is fully aware of the character set and mapping of the string in use. If you write internationalized software, this may mean that you’re better off relying on MySQLs conversion routine rather than that of your programming language.

MySQL manual entry on Lower()


MySQL Function of the Day is a small series of concise information regarding most of the functions and operators available in MySQL. Inspired by PHPs funcaday, it’s meant to provide a daily dose of something in-between “Aha!” and “Ho-hum, I knew that already”, depending on your level of experience with MySQL. You can access the entire series with your browser here or pick up the RSS feed here.

Topics: MySQL Function of the day |

2 Responses to “LOWER() :: MySQL Function of the Day”

  1. MySQL Function of the Day: Week 2 | Carsten’s Random Ramblings Says:
    March 18th, 2008 at 9:41 am

    [...] Monday, March 10th, 2008: LOWER() [...]

  2. MySQL Function of the Day: Week Six | Carsten’s Random Ramblings Says:
    April 23rd, 2008 at 12:46 am

    [...] Monday, March 10th, 2008: LOWER() [...]

Comments