Updated May 29, 2023
Definition of MySQL encode()
MySQL Encode() is a MySQL function responsible for encrypting a string value provided. As a result, this encode function will return a binary string having a similar length to the original specified string.
The MySQL Encode() function implements the encryption of any plain string text provided as an argument during the execution of the function. Therefore, the function Encode() will give the result as a binary string that is of the identical size as the plain string text specified.
If the argument passed in the Encode() function delivered is a void string, it will also return the strings as an empty value. The MySQL Encode() function takes two parameters: the string that will be encrypted and the key string that is passed to encrypt the specified plain text string.
Syntax:
The syntax for the MySQL Encode() function is as follows:
ENCODE(Encrypt_String, Password_String);The above syntax structure describes the two arguments of the Encode() function as:
- Encrypt_String: The initial string that the MySQL Encode() function encrypts.
- Password_String: The specific string passed alongside the initial one in the Encode() function serves as a key string for encrypting the first argument, Encrypt_String.
Return Value:
After encryption, the MySQL Encode() function yields a binary string.
MySQL supports the Encode() function in versions like MySQL 4.1, 5.0, 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7.
Generally, we can state that Encoding in MySQL database is a reversible data format conversion method implemented to preserve data usability. On the other hand, Encryption is typically a secure encoding process used to protect the confidentiality of server data records.
How does the Encode() function works in MySQL?
- We have the basic syntax as Encode(Encrypt_String, Password_String) for the function in MySQL, where the encode function executes to encrypt the Encrypt-String value using the Password_String as the required password key string to perform the encryption.
- The resultant will be present in binary string form having the identical length as str. Similarly, if we want to decode the encoded result, then, in MySQL, we will apply the Decode() function.
- Please be aware that MySQL’s Encode() and Decode() functions have been deprecated since version 5.7. It is advisable to refrain from implementing these functions for extended periods. Expect their removal in upcoming releases of MySQL versions.
- But if a user still needs to implement using MySQL Encode(), we can apply a salt value mainly with it, reducing the risk of causing no error or notice. Suppose we can view the following instance to illustrate the concept:
ENCODE('plain_text', CONCAT('demo_random_salt','demo_secret_pass_string'));- Hence, do remember a new value of random salt should be implemented whenever a password value is modified.
- In MySQL, the MySQL Enterprise Encryption permits your enterprise to:
- Protect the server data by grouping private, public, and symmetric keys to encode and decode data.
- Encoding the information stored in the MySQL server using DSA, RSA, or even DH encryption algorithms.
- The MySQL Encode() function involves a change of data into a fresh format with the help of schema. In this case, the encoding process can be reversed, as it allows data to be encoded and secured in a new arrangement and subsequently decoded back into its original format.
- The encoding classically comprises a publicly existing scheme that can be reversed. This encoding ensures the usability and integrity of data and is a common choice when data cannot be directly transmitted in its current format between applications or systems. Typically, we do not employ encoding to protect or secure data since MySQL can easily reverse it.
- While Encryption encodes the data securely so that only approved users with a key or a password can decrypt it back to disclose the original one. Like in the Encode() function, we need to take two arguments to be encrypted and the other encryption key string used to encrypt the original plain text into a binary string as a return value when the MySQL function is executed.
- We may encounter two types of encryption methods: symmetric key encryption, where we use the same key for both encrypting and decrypting data using a password and asymmetric key encryption, where we use one key to encrypt a string as input and a different key to decrypt the encrypted data. Thus, encryption is useful when the information requires protection so that in the absence of the decryption keys, one cannot access the main data. For example, when a website receives data over HTTPS, it encrypts it using public key encryption.
- Encryption consists of encoding data, so both cannot be said interchangeably because encryption is always related to data encoded firmly. We utilize data encoding when we refer to data records that lack secure encoding. Its example can be AES 256.
Examples
Let us discuss some of the examples showing the MySQL Encode() function and its working:
1. Executing Encode() function using a string:
We will implement the Encode() function using the SELECT statement as follows:
SELECT ENCODE('mysqlcommand', 'Password_String');The above output provides the following output:
2. Executing Encode() function using a string having the grouping of integers and characters:
SELECT ENCODE('mysql123command','Password_String');It gives the below output:
3. Executing the MySQL Encode() function using a NULL string:
SELECT ENCODE (' ','Password_String');In the first argument above, we have provided the value as NULL or empty, then the output will result as follows:
Conclusion
- MySQL Encode() function helps secure any data records by encrypting the values with certain key values and changing the originals to binary string form.
- This encoding function helps protect the plain text from any unauthorized process, which secures our database information and integrity in MySQL.
Recommended Articles
We hope that this EDUCBA information on “MySQL encode()” was beneficial to you. You can view EDUCBA’s recommended articles for more information.
