Retrieve Database Records Matching Multiple Words in Any Order

Data and Databases
1

Problem Description

I’m looking for a SQL query method to fetch records where a specific column contains multiple words, regardless of their sequence or arrangement.

Example Scenario

SELECT * FROM CustomerData WHERE Description LIKE '%word1%word2%word3%'

The goal is to return all rows where the specified column includes all three words, but the words can be in any possible combination or order. This means matching results should include entries with:

  • ‘word1 word2 word3’
  • ‘word2 word3 word1’
  • ‘word3 word1 word2’

Key Requirements

  • All specified words must be present
  • Word order is not important
  • Case-insensitive matching preferred
2

For this scenario, I recommend leveraging full-text search capabilities, which provide a robust solution for matching multiple words efficiently. PostgreSQL and MySQL both offer sophisticated full-text search mechanisms that handle word order dynamically.

In PostgreSQL, you could use the `to_tsvector()` and `@@` operators to create a flexible search query. The query would essentially convert the text column to a text search vector and then match against a query containing all required words. This approach ensures all specified words are present while remaining indifferent to their original sequence.

The key advantage of full-text search is its performance and built-in flexibility. Unlike multiple `LIKE` conditions or complex regex patterns, full-text search is optimized for text matching and can handle large datasets without significant performance overhead. Always ensure your text column is properly indexed to maximize search efficiency.

3

try using MATCH() AGAINST() in mysql or to_tsvector in postgres. full-text search is ur best bet 4 finding multiple wrds without caring abt order. rly powrful n fast method btw