Why set is used in MySQL?

Question

The MySQL SET datatype allows us to compare multiple values without using complex JOIN operations. We can manipulate the set with binary functions to do complex comparisons by comparing bit values on a single column instead of comparing multiple rows of multiple tables.

What is a set in MySQL?

A SET is a string object that can have zero or more values, each of which must be chosen from a list of permitted values specified when the table is created. SET column values that consist of multiple set members are specified with members separated by commas ( , ).

What is set in database?

In mathematics, a set is nothing more than a collection of objects. Similarly, in databases, records within a table can be treated as objects in a set - i.e. the table becomes a set of records. The SET operator allows the tables of a database to be treated as objects in a set when performing a query.

What is the difference between enum and set in MySQL?

Difference between SET and ENUM. The difference between SET and ENUM is that SET column can contain multiple values and whereas an ENUM can hold only one of the possible values. The SET type is similar to ENUM whereas the SET type is stored as a full value rather than an index of a value as with ENUM.

How do I store a set in SQL?

To store a set, you would normally create a second table with a foreign key relation. MySQL also has some functions to store a comma-separated list in a column, like find_in_set. This is considered bad form, though you might choose it for a quick one-time hack.

Expert · Answer