Sql LIKE condition to check for integer?

Making it more precise

To find integers starting with specific digits, use CAST as TEXT combined with LIKE:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE CAST(column_name AS TEXT) LIKE '123%'
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This usage allows all the precision junkies to match beginning digits of an integer.

Handling variable length integers

Integers come in all shapes and sizes. To handle variants with the same starting digits but different lengths, use the BETWEEN keyword:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE column_name BETWEEN 100 AND 199
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This command snags integers within a particular range — basically Snoopy among the Beagles.

Regular expressions to the rescue

PostgreSQL has regex support that makes pattern matching feel like a cakewalk:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE column_name::TEXT ~ '^[0-9]'
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The leading ^ pins the match to the start of the string, while [0-9] matches any digit.

SQL Server’s way of doing things

On SQL Server, you can use the CONVERT() function to match numeric patterns:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE CONVERT(VARCHAR, column_name) LIKE '7%'
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This command is like SQL Server's way of saying "Look, I can also match digits like a pro!".

Flexibility is in the air

Using the wildcard % with the LIKE operator allows flexibility in your numeric pattern searches:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE column_name LIKE '%7%'
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This technique is a catch-all for integers with the number 7 inside it, making you feel like you've caught a Golden Snitch!

Drill down techniques

Constraints

If you like your data like your morning coffee — strong and without surprises — apply constraints:

ALTER TABLE your_table
ADD CONSTRAINT check_price CHECK (price BETWEEN 100 AND 999);
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This maneuver keeps the integers within the range, contributing to data consistency and saving you a lot of headaches later on.

The power of regex

Grab more than digits with the regex combo \d+ ?, capturing at least one digit followed by an optional space:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE column_name::TEXT ~ '^\d+ ?'
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No more misfired rockets! Nothing gets past regex when it's pattern-matching integers.

PostgreSQL's secret weapon

Use PostgreSQL's SIMILAR TO operator for even more flexibility:

SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE column_name::TEXT SIMILAR TO '(123|456)%'
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This command reaches out for integers starting with 123 or 456. PostgreSQL's SIMILAR TO is like the Batman utility belt in pattern matching.