best way to search a database?

[zippynz]

Hi,

I'm just wondering what is the best way to search a database?
I have allways used Access for my web projects and have just started using SQL 2000. I hear there is a way to search using index server? anyone done this before? what are your thoughts, comments advice etc.. ?

Thanks

 

[culshaja]

What type of search are you talking about?

James James Culshaw
jculshaw@active-data-solutions.co.uk

http://www.active-data-solutions.co.uk

http://www.brainbench.com/transcript.jsp?pid=193305

 

[zippynz]

well i have a table with a whole lot of numeric fields which need to be searched through and also stings of text.
Using the LIKE operator is how I would do it, but apparently it is not that efficent

 

[hyperbug]

You could create indexes over the fields you want to search and avoid for varchar fields this conditional: fieldX like '%word%' because your index wouldn't be used. It would be faster fieldX like 'word%' (Because the index is used). For integer fields the condictional FieldA between X and Y is fast.
You can check the query execution plan to see if the indexes are being used.

 

[chiph]

SQL Server 2000 has an option when you install it for free-text searches. Haven't used it, so I don't know how well it handles things like foreign languages, but it might be worth looking up on MSDN.

Chip H.

 

[zippynz]

umm how do you create an index on the fields?