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In this guide, we will explain how to use the MySQL CASE function with syntax and examples.

Description

The MySQL CASE function has the functionality of an IF-THEN-ELSE statement by allowing you to evaluate conditions and return a value when the first condition is met.

Syntax

The syntax for the CASE function in MySQL is:

CASE [ expression ]

   WHEN condition_1 THEN result_1
   WHEN condition_2 THEN result_2
   ...
   WHEN condition_n THEN result_n

   ELSE result

END

Parameters or Arguments

expression

Optional. It is the value that you are comparing to the list of conditions. (ie: condition_1, condition_2, … condition_n)

condition_1, condition_2, … condition_n

Evaluated in the order listed. Once a condition is found to be true, the CASE function will return the result and not evaluate the conditions any further.

result_1, result_2, … result_n

The value returned once a condition is found to be true.

Note

• If no condition is found to be true, then the CASE function will return the value in the ELSE clause.
• If the ELSE clause is omitted and no condition is found to be true, then the CASE statement will return NULL.

Applies To

The CASE function can be used in the following versions of MySQL:

• MySQL 5.7, MySQL 5.6, MySQL 5.5, MySQL 5.1, MySQL 5.0, MySQL 4.1, MySQL 4.0, MySQL 3.23.3

Example – Includes expression

You could use the CASE function in a SQL statement where the expression is included.

SELECT supplier_id,
CASE quantity
  WHEN > 10 THEN 'The quantity is greater than 10'
  WHEN = 10 THEN 'The quantity is 10'
  ELSE 'The quantity is something else'
END
FROM suppliers;

In this CASE function example, the expression is quantity whose value would be compared to each of the conditions until one is met. Then the corresponding value would be returned by the CASE function.

Example – Excludes expression

You could use the CASE function in a SQL statement where the expression is omitted.

SELECT
CASE
  WHEN a < b THEN 1
  WHEN supplier_type = 'clothing' THEN 2
  ELSE 3
END
FROM suppliers;

In this CASE function example, an expression has not been included so each condition is individually evaluated and can be completely different and unique. When a condition is met, the corresponding value would be returned.

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