MySQL NULL Values

What is a NULL Value?

A field with a NULL value is a field with no value.

If a field in a table is optional, it is possible to insert a new record or update a record without adding a value to this field. Then, the field will be saved with a NULL value.

How to Test for NULL Values?

It is not possible to test for NULL values with comparison operators, such as =, <, or <>.

We will have to use the IS NULL and IS NOT NULL operators instead.

IS NULL Syntax

IS NOT NULL Syntax

Demo Database

Below is a selection from the "Customers" table in the Northwind sample database:

The IS NULL Operator

The IS NULL operator is used to test for empty values (NULL values).

The following SQL lists all customers with a NULL value in the "Address" field:

SELECT CustomerName, ContactName, Address FROM Customers WHERE Address IS NULL;

The IS NOT NULL Operator

The IS NOT NULL operator is used to test for non-empty values (NOT NULL values).

The following SQL lists all customers with a value in the "Address" field:

SELECT CustomerName, ContactName, Address FROM Customers WHERE Address IS NOT NULL;