MySQL Functions
PHP Manual

mysql_set_charset

Sets the client character set

Warning

This extension is deprecated as of PHP 5.5.0, and will be removed in the future. Instead, the MySQLi or PDO_MySQL extension should be used. See also MySQL: choosing an API guide and related FAQ for more information. Alternatives to this function include:

  • mysqli_set_charset
  • PDO: Add charset to the connection string, such as charset=utf8

Description

bool mysql_set_charset ( string $charset [, resource $link_identifier = NULL ] )

Sets the default character set for the current connection.

Parameters

charset

A valid character set name.

link_identifier

The MySQL connection. If the link identifier is not specified, the last link opened by mysql_connect is assumed. If no such link is found, it will try to create one as if mysql_connect was called with no arguments. If no connection is found or established, an E_WARNING level error is generated.

Return Values

Returns TRUE on success or FALSE on failure.

Notes

Note:

This function requires MySQL 5.0.7 or later.

Note:

This is the preferred way to change the charset. Using mysql_query to set it (such as SET NAMES utf8) is not recommended. See the MySQL character set concepts section for more information.