The LIKE operator is used in a WHERE clause to search for a specific character pattern (text, numeric, date, mix, etc) in a column.

Where LIKE is often used when only a segment of the data item is known.

Where LIKE uses two wildcard match options the percent and underscore sign:

% The percent sign represents zero, one, or multiple characters

_ The underscore represents a single character

SQL Where LIKE syntax:

SELECT Column1, Column2, Column3

FROM Table_Name

Where Column1 LIKE 'Ta%’

Example:

Lets use the “Customers” Table to find all customers with the last name beginning with “j”.

Results:

Lets use the LIKE Statement to return all zip codes that contain the number “1”.

Results:

Sample LIKE combinations:

LIKE ‘z%’ - Finds any value(s) that start with “z”

LIKE ‘%z’ - Finds any value(s) that end with “z”

LIKE ‘%z%’ - Finds any value(s) that have “z” in any position

LIKE ‘z__%’ - Finds any value(s) that start with “z” and are at least 2 characters in length

LIKE ‘a%z’ - Finds any value(s) that start with “a” and ends with “z”

LIKE ‘_z% - Finds any value(s) that have “z” in the second position

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