Which MySQL Function is Faster: ifnull() or coalesce()?

Performance Comparison: ifnull vs. coalesce in MySQL

In MySQL, both ifnull() and coalesce() functions return the first non-null value of a series of arguments. Although they yield identical results, the question arises: which one is faster?

Performance Considerations

Despite claims suggesting that ifnull() is superior in speed, there is limited empirical evidence to support this assertion. Benchmarking for specific use cases is recommended to determine the optimal choice.

While speed differences may be negligible, it's worth noting that:

• coalesce() is part of the standard SQL language, whereas ifnull() may not be supported across all platforms.
• Benchmarking should be performed carefully, considering data variation over time and valid testing parameters.

Benchmarking Resources

For further insights, refer to Adam Machanic's article on benchmarking equivalent scenarios in SQL Server, entitled "Performance: ISNULL vs. COALESCE." This article outlines key principles for obtaining accurate performance comparisons.

In conclusion, the performance of ifnull() and coalesce() in MySQL is subject to specific usage scenarios. Benchmarking should be considered to determine the appropriate function for optimal performance.

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