Like different languages, MySQL too has a Replace() function, which allows you to replace characters.

Syntax: replace(fieldname, ‘find string’, ‘replace with this string’);

Uses:

1. It can be used in select query to display it in the website without permanent change in db.

Syntax: SELECT replace(fieldname, ‘find string’, ‘replace with this string’) AS newfieldname FROM tablename;

Example: SELECT REPLACE( display_name,  ‘é’,  ‘é’ ) FROM  users WHERE  display_name LIKE  ‘%é%’;

2. It can be used in update query for permanent change in db.

Syntax:  UPDATE tablename SET fieldname = replace(fieldname, ‘find string’, ‘replace with this string’) AS newfieldname WHERE CONDITION;   

Example:  UPDATE users SET display_name = REPLACE( display_name,  ‘é’,  ‘é’ ) WHERE  display_name LIKE  ‘%é%’;