Re: How to force a varchar number into a string?

[Rick James]

Abandon the function until you figure out the logic. It is much simpler to try fragments of the code using the mysql commandline tool (or phpmyadmin or other ui). Notice how I gave the RLIKE example as just a fragment.

Gradually build up -- try each part of the IF statement to verify that the pieces are working as expected. Only then, move on to the UPDATE.

Is the call to the Stored Routine coming from someone directly logged into mysql? (It should NOT.) If not, what language is calling the Routine? And is this Routine being called from only one place in the code? Perhaps you should not use a Stored Routine, but use application code? That would give you an opportunity to add "print" or "echo" statements to help in debugging.