Changing part of text

[YOUNGCODGER]

Although I started with pre-SQL databases just over quarter of a century ago I having been using SQL via Informix/Oracle/Ingess for a long while. I have now inherited a MySql server and database. One database table makes use of a text field, each entry corresponding to about a sheet of A4. The problem I have is that whilst I could easily change something like a surname or post code field here I have to change small sections (circa 13 - 20 characters) in the middle of huge chunks of text. I am having to use a basic ascii terminal session onto a Linux box which probably does not help.

 

[vacunita]

If you are doing this on a regular basis, I think you may find that a programming language may be a better approach.

Otherwise attempting to change a section of text within a large text field using only SQL commands is going to be extremely complex.

With that said, if you must use MYSQL commands, take a look at the Regular Expression support, it may help you in isolating the text you need to change.

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/regexp.html

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Phil AKA Vacunita
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