MYSQL OR vs IN performance

Question

I am wondering if there is any difference in regards to performance between the following

SELECT ... FROM ... WHERE someFIELD IN(1,2,3,4)

SELECT ... FROM ..         


        

Answer 1

I think the BETWEEN will be faster since it should be converted into:

Field >= 0 AND Field <= 5

It is my understanding that an IN will be converted to a bunch of OR statements anyway. The value of IN is the ease of use. (Saving on having to type each column name multiple times and also makes it easier to use with existing logic - you don't have to worry about AND/OR precedence because the IN is one statement. With a bunch of OR statements, you have to ensure you surround them with parentheses to make sure they are evaluated as one condition.)

The only real answer to your question is PROFILE YOUR QUERIES. Then you will know what works best in your particular situation.