> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/connectors/mariadb-connector-c/api-functions/mysql_character_set_name.md).

# mysql\_character\_set\_name

## Syntax

```c
const char * mysql_character_set_name(MYSQL * mysql);
```

## Parameter

* `mysql` - a mysql handle, which was previously allocated by [mysql\_init()](/docs/connectors/mariadb-connector-c/api-functions/mysql_init.md) or [mysql\_real\_connect()](/docs/connectors/mariadb-connector-c/api-functions/mysql_real_connect.md).

## Description

Returns the default client [character set](/docs/server/reference/data-types/string-data-types/character-sets.md) for the specified connection.

## Return value

The character set name used for the specified connection.

{% hint style="info" %}
This function is deprecated. Instead, use [mariadb\_get\_infov()](/docs/connectors/mariadb-connector-c/api-functions/mariadb_get_infov.md) with option `MARIADB_CONNECTION_CHARSET_INFO`.
{% endhint %}

## See Also

* [mysql\_set\_character\_set()](/docs/connectors/mariadb-connector-c/api-functions/mysql_set_character_set.md)

{% @marketo/form formId="4316" %}