SUBSTRING in MySQL - Examples & AI Generator

MySQL’s SUBSTRING function allows you to extract specific portions of text, a common but sometimes tricky operation given MySQL syntax differences versus other databases. Remembering exact MySQL SUBSTRING syntax can slow you down—especially if you’re juggling multiple database systems. AI2sql turns everyday language into production-ready SUBSTRING queries—no coding, no memorization required.

SUBSTRING Syntax in MySQL

Standard Syntax

SUBSTRING(str, start, length)

• str: Source string

• start: Starting position (1-based index)

• length: Optional; number of characters to return

Bonus: MySQL supports both SUBSTRING() and SUBSTR() as aliases.

SUBSTRING Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Here are practical SUBSTRING MySQL examples—just copy and use, or generate new ones with AI2sql.

Example 1: Masking Customer Phone Numbers

SELECT CONCAT('XXX-XXX-', SUBSTRING(phone_number, 9)) AS masked_phone
FROM customers;

Example 2: Extracting Order Year

SELECT SUBSTRING(order_date, 1, 4) AS order_year, COUNT(*) AS orders
FROM orders
GROUP BY order_year;

Example 3: Getting SKU Prefix from Products

SELECT SUBSTRING(sku, 1, 3) AS sku_prefix, COUNT(*)
FROM products
GROUP BY sku_prefix;

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Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual SUBSTRING Coding

• Instant Results: Get working MySQL SUBSTRING queries in seconds from natural language prompts.

• No Syntax Errors: Remove the guesswork from parameter order and indexing.

• Multi-Database Support: Never memorize syntax differences again—AI2sql adapts instantly.

• Trusted Globally: 50,000+ users across 80+ countries rely on AI2sql for SQL speed and accuracy.

Stop searching for syntax—let the AI SQL generator do it for you. Try AI2sql Generator or Learn SUBSTRING.

FAQ: SUBSTRING in MySQL

• Q: Does SUBSTRING in MySQL use 1-based or 0-based indexing?
  A: MySQL SUBSTRING starts at position 1 (1-based indexing).

• Q: Can I use SUBSTRING with negative indexes?
  A: Yes. A negative start position counts from the end of the string.

• Q: Is there a difference between SUBSTRING and SUBSTR in MySQL?
  A: No, they are functionally identical in MySQL.

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