How to Convert VARBINARY Data to CHAR/VARCHAR in MySQL?

Converting Varbinary to Char/Varchar in MySQL

Problem:

You have a field in your MySQL database that is currently stored as varbinary, and you need to convert its data to varchar or char format for further processing.

Solution:

MySQL supports the conversion of varbinary data to char or varchar using the CAST or CONVERT functions.

CAST and CONVERT Syntax:

<code class="sql">CAST(varbinary_column AS char/varchar(length))
CONVERT(varbinary_column, char/varchar(length))</code>

where:

• varbinary_column is the name of the varbinary field you want to convert.
• char/varchar(length) specifies the desired character type and length.

Example:

To convert a varbinary field named binary_data to a character string that is 100 characters long, you would use:

<code class="sql">CAST(binary_data AS CHAR(100))</code>

or:

<code class="sql">CONVERT(binary_data, CHAR(100))</code>

Supported Types:

The following types can be converted to and from varbinary using CAST or CONVERT:

• BINARY[(N)]
• CHAR[(N)]
• DATE
• DATETIME
• DECIMAL[(M[,D])]
• SIGNED [INTEGER]
• TIME
• UNSIGNED [INTEGER]

Note:

It is important to note that MySQL does not support direct casting from varbinary to varchar. There is an open bug report regarding this issue, and it remains unresolved as of MySQL version 5.5.

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