Question

So, I have a method that performs a parametrised LIKE query. The method takes in the search parameter/value in and then it is added to the command ready for the query.

It is not working. It should work, and when I code the value to search for directly into the SQL string, sans parametrisation, it does work! When I have it as a parameter is does not! Any ideas.

Here is some (fake, I have changed the names) example code.

myDataReader = SQLExecute('SELECT * FROM TableOfAwesomeness WHERE BestTVShow LIKE 'Arrested Development%'') 

Would work. However

Function MethodOfReturningHorror(ByVal TVShow as String) as SqlDataReader { dim command as new SQLCommand command.connection = sqlconnection command.CommandText = 'SELECT * FROM TableOfAwesomeness WHERE BestTVShow LIKE '@tvShow%'' command.Parameters.Add('tvShow',TVShow)  return command.ExecuteReader() } 

I have missed out code unrelated to the question for the sake of laziness/conciseness. So ignore the return bit and and stuff, all that is important is that the data reader contains nothing, while It does in the first example. I am sure it’s to do with the parametrisation of the LIKE clause .

Thanks!

Answer 1

Try this:

command.CommandText = 'SELECT * FROM TableOfAwesomeness WHERE BestTVShow LIKE @tvShow + '%''