midMySQL
ENUM Data Type Usage
Updated May 4, 2026
Short answer
A string object with values chosen from a list of permitted strings.
Deep explanation
Internally stored as integers, making them very compact. Ideal for status flags with a fixed set of values.
Real-world example
An 'order_status' column with values like 'shipped' or 'pending'.
Common mistakes
- Using ENUM for values that change frequently, as adding values requires an ALTER TABLE.
Follow-up questions
- How many values can an ENUM have?