The Ultimate Guide to MySQL String Concatenation: Ditching '+' for CONCAT() and CONCAT_WS()

Misusing the '+' operator for string concatenation is a common mistake in MySQL. This article delves into why '+' is reserved for numeric addition, not string joining, and details the correct method using the CONCAT() function. We'll also explore the more robust CONCAT_WS() for elegantly handling NULL values and share safety tips recommended by DP@lib00 for testing before you update, helping you avoid common pitfalls.