Pieter, If you use LIKE '%abc%' then this will match 'abc' 'abcs' 'ABC' 'DABCE' 'DABC' and 'ABCD'. It will not match 'AB'. In your case it may work better if you validate the words before you run your SELECT statement or make your fields more specific. For example, instead of a field called descr which can contain '3 bedroom' '3 bedrooms' '3 beds' or even '3beds' or 'butcher shop' (all of which are different), have a field called bedrooms and store 3 in it. Obviously this field is no good for a shop database, but if you are going to mix commercial and non-commercial property you could either have 2 tables or just keep redundant fields.
Spelling mistakes: ORACLE has a SOUNDEX() function which returns the phonetic pronunciation of a word. This can help in fuzzy searches. I don't know of similar functions in mysql, but it may be easier to use codes instead: For example: Use drop down lists of valid options - then your searches will suceed. If this is your first database then you may want to avoid a full-blown search engine. Regards, Andy. Extraordinaire wrote: > > Hi > I builded a little propert database. I added a search function to the site > but have the following problem: > I used "SELECT * > FROM table1 WHERE area ='province' and type like'%type_1%' and town > like'%town_1%' and descr like '%descr_1%' and suburb like '%sub_1%'" > But it do not do the like thing. If I search for 3 bed and the actual data > is 3 bedroom it gets the data, but if I search for 3 bedrooms (extra s) it > do not get it or if I make spelling mistake I do not get a result either. So > it seems that it rather search for the exact term instead of the like term. > How can I get it to really search for only a phrase, part of a word or a > spelling error? > Regards > Pieter > Building extraordinary webs, www.extraordinaire.co.za > > -- > MySQL General Mailing List > For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql > To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
