Question

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How to do SQL Like % in Linq?

Im using mvc 3 and entity framework. How do i do a like search with linq or a lambda expression. Please assisst

Answer 1

Since the goal is for EF expressions to be parsed into SQL, where the LIKE predicate should be applied, there are at least 3 ways to do this, depending on where you want the % wildcard to be placed

Starts With the Phrase

C#:

.Where(customer => customer.Name.StartsWith("Bloggs"))

=> SQL

 WHERE c.Name LIKE 'Bloggs%'

Contains the Phrase

C#:

.Where(customer => customer.Name.Contains("Bloggs"))

=> SQL

WHERE c.Name LIKE '%Bloggs%'

Ends in the Phrase

C#:

.Where(customer => customer.Name.EndsWith("Bloggs"))

=> SQL

WHERE c.Name LIKE '%Bloggs'

Performance

When applicable, for performance reasons, StartsWith should be preferred over the other two, given that it has a better chance of using an index on the column.

LIKE %x% or LIKE %x will generally result in an index or table scan, unless an unusual index is created on the column.