I am a newbie to mysql.plz help!.How to order the records in a table such that.......

[ramapv]

How to order the records in a table such that the elements in a field strating with a particular alphabet apper first.

ie.,the elements in the field names are as follows:

amar
Bob
joy
mana
sana
xena

I want it as: If 'm' is my input then 'mana' must apper first but all the records must also appear.

something like this:
mana
sana
xena
amar
Bob
joy.

Hoping that anyone of you will help me>>>>>>>..

Thanks i advance.
-ram

[ronverdonk]

Use a UNION to append the rows >= criteria with the rows < criteria, as follows:

SELECT * FROM table 
      WHERE SUBSTR(name,1,1) >= 'M' 
      UNION 
      SELECT * FROM table 
      WHERE SUBSTR(name,1,1) < 'M';
 

Ronald :cool: