MySQL - Sql Compatibility Modes

SQL Modes

Aparently as of MySQL 4.1, MySQL can operate in different SQL modes. You can select the mode at either config time (my.cfg) and runtime (using SQL).

Runtime Example: (Setting SQL Mode @ runtime)
SET SQL_MODE='MYSQL323'

Config Time:
Start mysqld with the --sql-mode="modes" option, or by using sql-mode="modes" in my.cnf (Unix operating systems) or my.ini (Windows). (where modes is a comma separated list of mode values)


In case you're an admin migrating up to a newer server and are losing sleep over what's going to happen to all your legacy code, you can rest guilt free, at least when it comes to sql compatibility.

This capability enables each application to tailor the server's operating mode to its own requirements.

SQL Compatibility Modes (SQL Modes)
sql modes