What is the use of IN and BETWEEN in MySQL queries?

In MySQL, both the IN and BETWEEN operators serve to streamline queries by allowing for more efficient data filtering based on specific criteria. These operators are used in the WHERE clause of a query to filter records from a table, making data retrieval more precise and less verbose.

The IN Operator

The IN operator is used to check if a value matches any value in a list of specified values. It provides a concise and readable way to specify multiple possible values for a column. This operator is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to filter records by a set of discrete, non-sequential values. For example, if you want to select rows from a table where the column value is either 1, 2, or 3, you can use the IN operator instead of using multiple OR conditions[4][9].

Syntax:

SELECT column_names FROM table_name WHERE column_name IN (value1, value2, ...);

The BETWEEN Operator

The BETWEEN operator is used to filter the result set within a specific range. It is inclusive, meaning it includes the start and end values specified in the range. This operator is particularly useful for selecting records with date, time, or numeric values lying within a certain range, making it easier to query data over intervals[1][2][3].

Syntax:

SELECT column_names FROM table_name WHERE column_name BETWEEN value1 AND value2;

Comparison and Use Cases

• Use of IN: The IN operator is ideal when you have a specific list of non-sequential values you want to include in your results. It simplifies queries by avoiding multiple OR conditions and makes the query more readable. For example, selecting prod...