The Like operator implements pattern matching for strings of character data.

The operator requires two parameters: a string expression to be searched and a string pattern to search for.

The string pattern may contain specific characters, as well as the following wildcards:

 

%= zero or more character positions

_= one character position

 

String pattern examples:

 

LIKE ‘IRE%’ – begins with ‘IRE’

LIKE ‘%IRE%’ - contains ‘IRE’ anywhere

Like ‘_IRE’ – contains IRE in the last three positions

LIKE ‘%I_’ – contains I in the next to last position

 

Example

 

Select first_name, last_name

From   customers

Where last_name like ALL (‘%K%’,’%J%’)

Quantifiers:

 

ANY = any single condition must be met (or)

SOME = same as any
ALL = all conditions must be met (and)

 

LIKE with ESCAPE character.

 

The ESCAPE feature of LIKE permits wildcard characters to be treated as non-wildcards.

Characters following the escape character are not treated as wildcards.

 

Example

 

Select campaign_name

From   customers

Where campaign_name like ‘_H_%’  escape ‘H’

 

Campaign_name

A_new_year

B_new_client

A_saving_account_805