MySQL Workbench shows results as BLOB

Question

I keep finding that MySQL Workbench shows query results as BLOB. e.g: SELECT INET_NTOA(167773449) --> BLOB

If I select to 'view value' I can determine the text value is '10.0.5.9' but it's pretty irritating when I SELECT multiple rows and want to glance at the contents.

Is there a way around this or is it a limitation of the tool?

Answer 1

Background: This problem occurs when the binary string values (BINARY/VARBINARY type) are returned in the results. The binary strings contain the zero bytes and for some reason, apparently security, have not been shown by default. More details about binary strings here.

Even in the reported example SELECT INET_NTOA(167773449), the function returns binary string. Check this for reference.

Solution: Since MySQL Workbench v5.2.22, it can be set through preferences whether to SHOW or HIDE such values.

1. In MySQL Workbench, go to: "Edit -> Preferences... -> SQL Queries" OR "Edit -> Preferences... -> SQL Editor -> SQL Execution" (depending upon what version of Workbench you have).
2. Check the option 'Treat BINARY/VARBINARY as nonbinary character string' to show the actual value.

Reference: The original issue has been reported and answered with fix here.

Answer 2

What you can do is Cast your BLOB type to a string. This will simply allow you to glance at whats in your BLOB type when browsing your select statement.

SELECT CAST(`blob_column_name` AS CHAR(10000) CHARACTER SET utf8) FROM `table_name`;