Can MySQL Perform a LIKE Search with Multiple Wildcard Patterns?

MySQL's LIKE and Multiple Wildcard Patterns

Problem:

Can MySQL efficiently handle LIKE searches encompassing several wildcard patterns? For example, simultaneously searching for strings containing '40%', '38%', and '40%'.

Solution:

MySQL doesn't offer a direct LIKE IN() function. However, a highly effective workaround uses Regular Expressions (REGEXP). This enables matching multiple patterns within a single query:

SELECT * FROM fiberbox WHERE field REGEXP '1740|1938|1940';

This query scans the fiberbox table's field column for rows containing any of the specified patterns. The | (pipe) symbol acts as an "or" operator, matching any row where at least one pattern is present.

Performance Considerations:

The relative performance of REGEXP versus multiple LIKE statements (e.g., WHERE field LIKE '40%' OR field LIKE '38%' OR field LIKE '40%') depends heavily on the specific data and query. It's crucial to benchmark both methods to determine the most efficient approach for your particular dataset and query needs.

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