LIKE and = are operators used for string comparison in SQL. The main difference is that LIKE allows wildcard fuzzy matching (% and _), while = only works for exact matches. LIKE is suitable for fuzzy queries, has slower performance, and cannot use indexes. = is used for exact matching, faster performance, and indexing can be used. The choice of operator depends on the specific matching requirements of the query.
The difference between LIKE and = in SQL
Clear the difference:
LIKE and = are the two major operators used to compare strings in SQL. The main difference is that LIKE allows wildcard characters (% and _), while = can only match the exact same string.
Detailed answer:
LIKE
-
##Wildcard:
- %: Matches any number of characters (including 0)
- _: Matches a single character
- Syntax: FIELD LIKE 'PATTERN'
- Usage: Widely used for fuzzy queries, such as finding strings that start or end with specific characters.
=
-
Exact match:
- Only matches the specified Strings with exactly the same value
- Syntax: FIELD = 'VALUE'
- Usage: Used for exact matching, such as finding specific records with specific values.
Example:
-
LIKE:
- SELECT * FROM customers WHERE name LIKE '%Smith'
- SELECT * FROM customers WHERE name LIKE '%Smith'
-
=:
- SELECT * FROM orders WHERE order_id = 12345
- SELECT * FROM orders WHERE order_id = 12345
Other differences:
- Performance: LIKE queries are generally slower than = queries because They involve fuzzy matching, requiring more complex comparisons to be performed.
- Index: LIKE queries generally cannot use index optimization, while = queries can.
- NULL values: LIKE returns NULL when comparing NULL values, while = returns FALSE.
Choose:
Select LIKE or = depending on the specific requirements of the query:-
Use LIKE:
- When fuzzy matching is required.
-
Use =:
- When an exact match is required and performance and indexability are a priority factor.
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