How CONVERT() Works in MySQL

In MySQL, CONVERT() is a built in function that converts a value to another data type. It takes a value of one type and returns a value of the specified type.

We provide the value as an argument when we call the function, as well as the type that we want it converted to.

The CONVERT() function is similar to the CAST() function, which also converts between data types.

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Signed vs Unsigned Integers

The integer data type is probably one of the more common data types when working with database management systems (and with computing in general). The integer is a numeric data type that allows us to store certain kinds of numbers.

More specifically, an integer is the number zero (0), a positive natural number (e.g. 1, 2, 3, …) or a negative integer with a minus sign (e.g. −1, −2, −3, …). Integers contain no decimal or fractional part.

However, many computing environments distinguish between signed integers and unsigned integers.

Let’s take a look at the difference between signed integers and unsigned integers.

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