MySQL character sets and collations affect how text is stored and displayed in databases. This article breaks down their roles, explains key concepts, and provides simple guidance for making the right selection.
Character sets vs. collations in MySQL
Character sets define the allowed characters, while collations specify how they are sorted. For example, a character set may include letters like "é" or "ü", while the collation determines if "e" and "é" are considered the same or different.
Popular character sets and collations
latin1: suitable for Western European languages.
utf8mb4: preferred for multilingual support as it handles all Unicode characters.
big5_bin: common for Chinese-language data.
How to choose the right one
When selecting a character set and collation, consider:
Language, if supporting only English, latin1 may suffice.
Audience, if users are global, utf8mb4 is better for multilingual support.
Use Case, special languages (like Chinese) may need specific collations.
FAQ
What is the best MySQL character set for general use?
utf8mb4 is recommended because it supports a wide range of characters.
How do I choose a character set for a particular language?
Look for a collation in MySQL that matches the target language, or use utf8mb4 as a universal solution.
Can I change a table's collation later?
Yes, but be cautious. It may cause issues with existing data, so back it up before making changes.
What's the difference between utf8 and utf8mb4?
utf8mb4 supports 4 bytes per character, while utf8 supports only 3 bytes. This makes utf8mb4 better for Unicode characters like emojis.
Conclusion
MySQL character sets and collations are crucial for multilingual support. Understanding them helps you avoid data corruption and display issues. To learn more about character sets, collations, and how to choose the right ones, read the article Character Sets vs. Collations in a MySQL Database Infrastructure.