How to Front-Pad Zip Codes with '0' in MySQL?

MySQL Front Padding Zip Codes with "0"

In a MySQL database, inconsistencies in zip code data, such as missing leading zeros, can create challenges. To address this issue, the question explores how to front pad zip codes with "0" to ensure a consistent five-digit format.

The solution involves updating the affected rows to add the necessary "0" characters at the beginning of the zip code. To accomplish this, two methods are presented:

1. PHP with sprintf() Function:

   • This method utilizes the PHP sprintf() function to pad the zip code with "0" characters.
   • For example, echo sprintf("d", 205); outputs "00205".

2. MySQL LPAD() Function:

   • MySQL provides the LPAD() function to add a specified number of characters to the beginning of a string.

   • The following query pads the zip column with "0" characters to a length of 5:

     • SELECT LPAD(zip, 5, '0') AS zipcode FROM table;

   • To update the entire table, run this query:

     • ALTER TABLE table CHANGE zip zip CHAR(5); (converts the column to a character type)
     • UPDATE table SET zip=LPAD(zip, 5, '0'); (pads all values)

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