How do you perform pattern matching in SQL?
Direct Answer
This question tests string manipulation capabilities. It checks familiarity with wildcards and regex.
Why Interviewers Ask This
Real-world data often requires flexible searching. Interviewers check if you know standard operators like LIKE and advanced ones like REGEXP.
How to Answer This Question
Mention LIKE with % and _ wildcards. Note case-insensitive options like ILIKE. Mention regex support in PostgreSQL/MySQL. Include ESCAPE clause for literals.
Key Points to Cover
- LIKE operator basics
- Wildcard usage
- Regex alternatives
- Case sensitivity options
Sample Answer
SQL supports pattern matching mainly with LIKE using wildcards like % for any length and _ for a single character. PostgreSQL offers ILIKE for case-insensitivity and regex operators. MySQL and SQLite offer REGEXP functio…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to escape special characters
- Confusing % with .*
- Not knowing dialect differences
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