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sqlsql-serversql-server-2008sql-like

select query using multiple like conditions

Below is an existing ms sql server 2008 report query.

SELECT
    number, batchtype, customer, systemmonth, systemyear, entered, comment, totalpaid
FROM
    payhistory LEFT OUTER JOIN agency ON
        payhistory.SendingID = agency.agencyid      
WHERE
    payhistory.batchtype LIKE 'p%' AND
    payhistory.entered >= '2011-08-01 00:00:00.00' AND
    payhistory.entered <  '2011-08-15 00:00:00.00' AND
    payhistory.systemmonth = 8 AND
    payhistory.systemyear = 2011 AND
    payhistory.comment NOT LIKE 'Elit%'

Results will look like this:

number  batchtype   customer    systemmonth systemyear  entered     comment         totalpaid
6255756 PC      EMC1106     8       2011        12:00:00 AM DP From - NO CASH       33
5575317 PA      ERS002      8       2011        12:00:00 AM MO-0051381526 7/31      20
6227031 PA      FTS1104     8       2011        12:00:00 AM MO-10422682168 7/30     25
6232589 PC      FTS1104     8       2011        12:00:00 AM DP From - NO CASH       103
2548281 PC      WAP1001     8       2011        12:00:00 AM NCO DP $1,445.41        89.41
4544785 PCR     WAP1001     8       2011        12:00:00 AM NCO DP $1,445.41        39

What I am trying to do is modify the query that will exclude records where the customer is like 'FTS%' and 'EMC%' and batchtype = 'PC'. As you can see in the result set there are records where customer is like FTS% and batchtype = 'PA'. I would like to keep these records in the results. I would appreciate any ideas offered.

Solution

  • Your query contains a mix of upper and lower string comparison targets. As far as I'm aware, SQL Server is not by default case-sensitive; is it possible this is what is tripping your query up? Check collation per this answer.

    EDIT: Based on your updated question, can you not just use an AND clause that uses a NOT on the front? In other words, add a 'AND not (x)' clause, where 'x' is the conditions that define the records you want to exclude? You'd need to nest the customer test, because it's an OR. e.g.:

    ... payhistory.comment NOT LIKE 'Elit%'
AND not ((customer like 'FTS%' or customer like 'EMC%') AND batchtype = 'PC')

    As a side note, I believe that a LIKE clause may imply an inefficient table scan in some (but not all) cases, so if this query will be used in a performance-sensitive role you may want to check the query plan, and optimise the table to suit.