How can I dynamically select columns with wildcards in a database?

Dynamic Column Selection with Wildcards

In a database with numerous columns bearing similar prefixes, selecting specific columns can be challenging. To address this issue, consider crafting a dynamic SQL query that adapts to the desired column names.

To illustrate, let's assume we have a table named "Foods" with columns such as "VegetableA," "VegetableB," etc. Our goal is to select all columns starting with a specific word, say "Vegetable."

The original query attempting to use a wildcard, "$Food," proved ineffective. A viable solution entails utilizing a dynamically constructed SQL query that leverages the LIKE operator to match columns with the desired prefix. The following query provides a starting point:

<code class="sql">SELECT COLUMN_NAME
FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS
WHERE table_name = 'Foods'
AND table_schema = 'YourDB'
AND column_name LIKE 'Vegetable%'</code>

In this query, the INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS view is employed to retrieve column names that satisfy the criteria. The table_name and table_schema filters ensure that the search is limited to the desired table and database. Finally, the LIKE operator's '%' wildcard matches any character sequence, allowing us to capture all columns starting with "Vegetable."

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