MySQL LEFT() Function

Syntax

LEFT(text, number_of_characters)

Basic Example

SELECT LEFT(name) AS result
FROM users;

When to use it

Use LEFT when you need a string operation in MySQL. This page is designed as a quick reference for developers, analysts, and students comparing SQL dialects.

Common mistake

A common mistake is copying syntax from another SQL dialect. Always verify function name, argument order, and formatting tokens for MySQL.

Related SQL Functions

• MySQL CONCAT() Function
• MySQL CONCAT_WS() Function
• MySQL SUBSTRING() Function
• MySQL RIGHT() Function
• MySQL REPLACE() Function
• MySQL TRIM() Function

FAQ

Is LEFT available in every SQL database?

Not always. Function names and argument behavior can differ across SQL engines.

Can I use this in SELECT queries?

Yes. Most SQL functions are commonly used in SELECT and often in WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY depending on the function.