how to compare two varchar values with leading zeros in mysql

Question

I have to compare 2 columns in mysql which has varchar data type. But there are some data which has leading '0' which is creating problem while comparing.

For ex: I have to compare between '02653' and '2653' which are actually equal, but here my query fails and gives different result.

Please suggest any idea what should be the right query for this.

I have tried to run like this SELECT DISTINCT table1.store_id FROM table2 WHERE CONVERT('first_column' AS INTEGER) = CONVERT('second_column' AS INTEGER)

Showing this error
** for the right syntax to use near AS INTEGER **

Answer 1

convert the varchar to integer and then compare

Answer 2

...
WHERE CONVERT(column1 AS INTEGER) = CONVERT(column2 AS INTEGER)