C# Version Of SQL LIKE
Harness the power of Regex.IsMatch
in C# for complex patterns, or stick with built-in string methods for simple searches:
Apply Contains
, StartsWith
, and EndsWith
for standard comparisons:
For a not-so-standard-case, create your own Like()
method using regex or string extensions. More on this below.
Elaborating on pattern matching
You've entered the deep dive section. Prepare yourself for some nuggets of wisdom.
Regex-ual healing: Crafting a Like()
method
Regular expressions are sort of like the Swiss army knife of pattern matching. They offer more flexibility compared to SQL's LIKE
. Want an example? Here's a custom Like()
function:
Filling in the blanks: One-character wildcard
SQL has _
as its wildcard flyweight champion–one character, any character. In the regex playground, .
does the same trick. Blend this logic within your own Like()
function, and BAM, you've got wildcard support!
The art of collection filtering with LINQ
Want to sift through collections as smoothly as you'd glide through a recipe book? LINQ to the rescue. Chain it with string methods or your own regex-powered Like()
to filter collections like a boss:
Diving deeper with extension methods
When standard measures don't suffice, and you crave advanced capabilities, consider fabricating your own extension methods. Customized pattern matching, tailed-fit for your app, is now within your reach!
Inspect, double check: Testing
Coded your custom string matching methods? Great! Test them with diverse real-world scenarios to confirm their correctness and robustness. Remember, edge cases are sneaky!
Balance the scales: Performance considerations
Be warned: complex regex can demand a heavy performance toll. Strive to optimize your functions, perhaps via regex object caching or simpler string methods for straight-cut patterns.
References
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