Can I Combine SQL's `LIKE` and `IN` Operators Without Subqueries?

SQL's LIKE and IN Operators: Can They Be Combined?

SQL's LIKE operator is invaluable for pattern matching in text searches, but when dealing with a predefined set of patterns, the IN operator offers improved readability and flexibility. However, a direct combination of LIKE and IN isn't directly supported in standard SQL.

Why No Direct Combination?

The absence of a direct LIKE and IN combination stems from the availability of a superior alternative: Full-Text Search (FTS).

Full-Text Search (FTS): A Better Approach

Both Oracle and SQL Server provide robust FTS capabilities, utilizing keywords like CONTAINS to efficiently search for multiple patterns within a single query. This effectively replaces the need for combining LIKE and IN.

Examples using FTS:

Oracle:

<code class="language-sql">WHERE CONTAINS(t.something, 'bla OR foo OR batz', 1) > 0</code>

SQL Server:

<code class="language-sql">WHERE CONTAINS(t.something, '"bla*" OR "foo*" OR "batz*"')</code>

Important Considerations for FTS:

• Full-Text Index: A full-text index is required on the target column (t.something in the examples) for FTS to function correctly.
• Syntax Variations: Note the slight syntax differences between Oracle and SQL Server's FTS implementations.
• Performance: FTS generally outperforms multiple LIKE conditions in terms of speed and efficiency.
• Advanced Features: FTS often provides advanced features such as relevance scoring and ranking of results.

Therefore, while a direct LIKE and IN combination isn't available, FTS provides a more powerful and efficient solution for searching multiple patterns.

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