title: Sorting string column containing numbers in SQL?
body: <p>I am trying to sort string column (<em>containing numbers</em>).</p>
  
  <pre><code>// SELECT `name` FROM `mytable` ORDER BY `name` ASC
  +----------+
  +-- name --+
  +----------+
  +-- a 1 ---+
  +-- a 12 --+
  +-- a 2 ---+
  +-- a 3 ---+
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>You see natural sorting algorithm of Mysql is placing <code>a 12</code> after <code>a 1</code> (<em>which is ok for most apps</em>), But I have unique needs, so I want result should be sorted like this.</p>
  
  <pre><code>+----------+
  +-- name --+
  +----------+
  +-- a 1 ---+
  +-- a 2 ---+
  +-- a 3 ---+
  +-- a 12 --+
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Is it possible with <strong>just SQL</strong>, or I have to manipulate result-set at application level?</p>