Sql select everything in an array

Cooking up an array in SQL

Use the implode() function to cook-up an array into a string that can serve as an ingredient for the IN clause in PHP:

$categories = ['Books', 'Electronics', 'Clothing'];
$category_list = implode("','", $categories);
$sql = "SELECT * FROM products WHERE category IN ('$category_list')"; 
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Adjust the implode() recipe according to your programming language palette.

SQL cuisine: Array dishes

SQL Server: STRING_SPLIT soup

In SQL Server, STRING_SPLIT() can transform a boring string into a lively row meal:

SELECT *
FROM products
WHERE category IN (SELECT value FROM STRING_SPLIT(@category_list, ','));
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Now, that's flavor!

MySQL: FIND_IN_SET feast

For MySQL, taste the FIND_IN_SET() dish:

SELECT *
FROM products
WHERE FIND_IN_SET(category, @category_list) > 0;
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Ensure @category_list is a tasty comma-separated string without those bitter spaces.

PostgreSQL: Delicious Array datatype

PostgreSQL adds a twist with a dash of array data types:

SELECT *
FROM products
WHERE category = ANY('{Books,Electronics,Clothing}'::text[]);
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The PostgreSQL's array operators bring out the taste!

Seasoning your query

Query efficiency: Your IN clause brings the flavor, but too many elements can ruin the taste. Keep the array size in check.

Indexes: Indexing your column is like seasoning, it enhances performance.

Data type consistency: In cooking and SQL, the ingredients must match. Ensure the items in your array match the data type of the column.

Avoid soured queries

SQL injection: Always use parameterized queries or prepared statements to keep your SQL query fresh and safe from harmful bacteria!

String conversion: Watch out for those nasty specials, quotation marks and other characters that may need escaping.

Array size limits: Every SQL database has its capacity, take note of the limit!

Taking array beyond soup and salad

Crafting dynamic filters with arrays

You can assemble your array in the application layer and pass it to the SQL query like crafting a salad, creating flexible, dynamic filtering.

Joining the array party

Sometimes you need to mingle tables based on array values. Here's the PostgreSQL way:

SELECT p.*
FROM products p
JOIN UNNEST(@category_array) c ON p.category = c;
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Calculation cuisine with arrays

Arrays can help prepare complex aggregations like reducing a sauce, simplifying calculations done on set of data in the array.