GROUP CONCAT in MySQL - Examples & AI Generator

The GROUP CONCAT function in MySQL can be a powerful time-saver—if you know its unique syntax. Unlike simple aggregations, GROUP_CONCAT() combines multiple row values into a single comma-separated string per group, making reporting and client outputs neater. But remembering all its options (ordering, separators, NULL handling) slows down even experienced SQL developers. That’s where AI2sql helps: simply describe your goal in natural language, and get a perfect GROUP CONCAT query—no coding required.

GROUP CONCAT Syntax in MySQL

Basic Usage

GROUP_CONCAT([DISTINCT] expression [ORDER BY clause] [SEPARATOR 'sep'])

Key points:

• Only available in MySQL (not standard SQL or all databases)

• Default separator is a comma (,), but you can specify your own

• You can use ORDER BY inside the function to sort the list

Example: Get a list of product names per order

SELECT order_id, GROUP_CONCAT(product_name) AS products
FROM order_items
GROUP BY order_id;

This returns each order_id with a comma-separated list of products in that order.

GROUP CONCAT Examples You Can Generate Instantly

1. List all customers per city

SELECT city, GROUP_CONCAT(customer_name ORDER BY customer_name ASC) AS customers
FROM customers
GROUP BY city;

Shows a sorted list of customer names for every city.

2. Get emails per company, separated by semicolons

SELECT company, GROUP_CONCAT(email SEPARATOR '; ') AS emails
FROM employees
GROUP BY company;

Perfect for generating email lists in one click.

3. Show all sales reps on each deal (distinct values only)

SELECT deal_id, GROUP_CONCAT(DISTINCT sales_rep) AS reps
FROM deals
GROUP BY deal_id;

Collapses duplicate names so each rep appears only once per deal.

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FAQs: GROUP CONCAT in MySQL

Is GROUP CONCAT available in all SQL databases?

No, GROUP_CONCAT is specific to MySQL and some MySQL-compatible systems. Other databases use different functions (like STRING_AGG in PostgreSQL).

How do I change the separator in GROUP CONCAT?

Use SEPARATOR: GROUP_CONCAT(column SEPARATOR ';') outputs values separated by semicolons.

Does GROUP CONCAT skip NULLs?

Yes, GROUP_CONCAT ignores NULL values by default.

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