How to Efficiently Query Specific Values in Comma-Separated Columns?

Efficiently Querying a Comma-Separated Column for Specific Values

Databases often store data in comma-separated columns, posing challenges when querying for specific values. In such scenarios, using LIKE statements with wildcards can be cumbersome and inefficient.

One approach to mengatasi this issue is to utilize LIKE in conjunction with commas to match values precisely:

<code class="sql">SELECT 
  * 
FROM
  YourTable 
WHERE 
  ',' || CommaSeparatedValueColumn || ',' LIKE '%,SearchValue,%'</code>

However, this approach can be slow and unreliable for large datasets or when values contain spaces or commas.

A more optimal solution involves restructuring the data into a more normalized format. Consider creating a separate table for categories and a cross-linking table to associate categories with the main table. This allows for efficient querying using standard operators and eliminates the need for complex string manipulation.

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