How to use if/else condition in a select in mysql

Question

How can I use an if/else condition on a select statement in mysql?

If Type = "Initial Read", Select the Initial Column from table_name else if Type = "Final Read", Select the Final Column from table_name

How should I do this? And what is the right query for this? Do i use case select?

Answer 1

Use CASE

SELECT CASE Type
        WHEN "Initial Read" THEN Initial_Column
        WHEN "Final Read" THEN Final_Column
       END column
FROM table_name
WHERE <some condition>