5.1. String Properties
One string property is whether it is binary or nonbinary:
• A binary string is a sequence of bytes. It can contain any type of information, such
as images, MP3 files, or compressed or encrypted data. A binary string is not associated
with a character set, even if you store a value such as abc that looks like
ordinary text. Binary strings are compared byte by byte using numeric byte values.
• A nonbinary string is a sequence of characters. It stores text that has a particular
character set and collation. The character set defines which characters can be stored
in the string. The collation defines the character ordering, which affects comparison
and sorting operations.
To see which character sets are available for nonbinary strings, use this statement:
mysql> SHOW CHARACTER SET;