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MySQL Reference Manual - 4.0.20

22.2 Adding New Functions to MySQL

There are two ways to add new functions to MySQL:

• You can add the function through the user-defined function (UDF) interface. User-defined functions are added and removed dynamically using the CREATE FUNCTION and DROP FUNCTION statements. See section CREATE FUNCTION.

• You can add the function as a native (built in) MySQL function. Native functions are compiled into the mysqld server and become available on a permanent basis.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages:

• If you write a user-defined function, you must install the object file in addition to the server itself. If you compile your function into the server, you don't need to do that.

• You can add UDFs to a binary MySQL distribution. Native functions require you to modify a source distribution.

• If you upgrade your MySQL distribution, you can continue to use your previously installed UDFs. For native functions, you must repeat your modifications each time you upgrade.

Whichever method you use to add new functions, they may be used just like native functions such as ABS() or SOUNDEX().

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