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Pattern Matching in SQL

The document explains the use of the LIKE clause in SQL for pattern matching, which is typically used in conjunction with a WHERE clause. It details the wildcard operators '%' for multiple characters and '_' for a single character, along with syntax examples for various queries. Several examples demonstrate how to retrieve customer data based on specific patterns in their names or cities.

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3 views

Pattern Matching in SQL

The document explains the use of the LIKE clause in SQL for pattern matching, which is typically used in conjunction with a WHERE clause. It details the wildcard operators '%' for multiple characters and '_' for a single character, along with syntax examples for various queries. Several examples demonstrate how to retrieve customer data based on specific patterns in their names or cities.

Uploaded by

ayshasiraj2210
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pattern Matching in SQL

o LIKE clause is used to perform the pattern matching task in SQL.


o A WHERE clause is generally preceded by a LIKE clause in an SQL query.
o LIKE clause searches for a match between the patterns in a query with the pattern in
the values present in an SQL table. If the match is successful, then that particular
value will be retrieved from the SQL table.
o LIKE clause can work with strings and numbers.
The LIKE clause uses the following symbols known as wildcard operators in SQL to
perform this pattern-matching task in SQL.

1. To represent zero, one or more than one character, % (percentage) is used.


2. To represent a single character _ (underscore) is used.

Let us start with the syntax of a LIKE clause:

1. SELECT ColumnName1, ColumnName2 FROM TableName WHERE ColumnName


LIKE [Expression];
Here, Expression refers to the pattern which we want to search for in the values of a
table. This expression will include the wildcard operators such as '%' and '_'.

Example
Select all customers that starts with the letter "a":
SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE CustomerName LIKE 'a%';

Example

Return all customers from a city that contains the letter 'L':

SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE city LIKE '%L%';

Example

Return all customers that starts with 'La':

SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE CustomerName LIKE 'La%';

Example

Return all customers that starts with 'a' or starts with 'b':
SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE CustomerName LIKE 'a
%' OR CustomerName LIKE 'b%';

Example

Return all customers that ends with 'a':

SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE CustomerName LIKE '%a';

Example

Return all customers that starts with "b" and ends with "s":

SELECT * FROM Customers WHERE CustomerName LIKE 'b%s';

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