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MySQL FIND_IN_SET() Function

The FIND_IN_SET() function in MySQL helps you locate a specific string within a comma-separated list of strings. It's particularly useful when you need to check if a value exists within a set of values stored as a single string.

FIND_IN_SET(): Definition and Usage

This function is a convenient way to search within string lists. It returns the position of the search string within the list, or 0 if the string isn't found. Keep in mind that NULL values in either the search string or the list will result in a NULL return value.

Syntax

Syntax

FIND_IN_SET(string, string_list)

Parameter Values

Parameter Description
string The string you're searching for. This is required.
string_list A comma-separated list of strings to search within. This is required.

Return Values

The function returns:

  • The position of the string in the list (a number greater than 0) if found.
  • 0 if the string is not found in the list.
  • NULL if either the string or the string list is NULL.

Examples

Searching for a String in a List

This example searches for "q" within the list "s,q,l".

Syntax

SELECT FIND_IN_SET("q", "s,q,l");
Output

2

Searching for a Non-Existent String

Searching for "a" (which is not in the list).

Syntax

SELECT FIND_IN_SET("a", "s,q,l");
Output

0

Handling a NULL List

Demonstrating the behavior when the string list is NULL.

Syntax

SELECT FIND_IN_SET("q", NULL);
Output

NULL