Literal strings in expressions are written as quoted values. By default, either single quotes or double quotes can be used, although single quotes are more standard. Also, if the ANSI_QUOTES SQL mode is enabled, double quotes are interpreted as identifier-quoting characters, so literal strings can be quoted only with single quotes. The data types for representing strings in tables include CHAR, VARCHAR and the TEXT and BLOB types. The type chosen to be used depends on factors such as the maximum length of values and whether fixed-length or variable-length values are required. Direct use of strings in expressions occurs primarily in comparison operations. Otherwise, most string operations are performed by using functions. The usual comparison operators apply to string values (=, <>, <, BETWEEN, and so forth): Operator Definition < ...
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