SQL LIKE Queries

SQL LIKE queries are a pattern-matching operator used in SQL (Structured Query Language) to search for specified patterns in text-based columns, such as names or descriptions. They allow for flexible searching using wildcard characters like '%' (matches any sequence of characters) and '_' (matches a single character), enabling partial matches rather than exact ones. This is commonly used in WHERE clauses to filter data based on substrings or patterns.

Also known as: SQL LIKE operator, SQL pattern matching, LIKE clause, SQL wildcard search, SQL text search

Why learn SQL LIKE Queries?

Developers should learn SQL LIKE queries when building applications that require search functionality, data filtering, or reporting with text-based criteria, such as in e-commerce sites for product searches or in databases for user name lookups. They are essential for handling cases where exact matches are not feasible, improving user experience by allowing fuzzy or partial searches, and are widely supported across SQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.

Learning Resources

• tutorial: W3Schools SQL LIKE Operator
• docs: PostgreSQL Documentation: Pattern Matching
• tutorial: SQL LIKE Operator - GeeksforGeeks
• tutorial: Khan Academy: SQL Basics - Filtering with LIKE
• video: YouTube: SQL LIKE Operator Tutorial