MySQL Full Text Search vs LIKE
By Tom Nonmacher
In the realm of database management systems, text searching is an essential feature that aids in data retrieval. Two common methods for executing text searches in MySQL are Full Text Search and the LIKE operator. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two often depends on the specific requirements of your application. In this post, we will compare these two methods, considering their performance and precision.
MySQL Full Text Search, available in all versions since MySQL 5.7, offers powerful search capabilities over large data sets. It uses a natural language search algorithm that parses and ranks results based on their relevance. This makes it particularly useful for applications such as content management systems, where search input can be lengthy and complex. However, Full Text Search does require additional storage space to index the data.
SELECT * FROM articles WHERE MATCH (title,body) AGAINST ('+MySQL -Oracle' IN BOOLEAN MODE);
The LIKE operator, on the other hand, is a simpler and more straightforward method for text searching. It does not require any special indexing and is compatible with all the SQL-based databases, including SQL Server 2016, SQL Server 2017, MySQL 5.7, DB2 11.1, and Azure SQL. However, it lacks the sophisticated ranking system of Full Text Search and can be slower on large data sets.
SELECT * FROM articles WHERE title LIKE '%MySQL%';
In terms of performance, Full Text Search generally outperforms the LIKE operator when dealing with large data sets. This is because the indexing used by Full Text Search allows it to quickly locate relevant records without scanning the entire database. However, this performance boost comes at the cost of increased storage requirements and additional overhead for maintaining the index.
On the other hand, the LIKE operator, while slower on large data sets, may perform adequately on smaller databases or for applications where text search is not a primary function. It also has the advantage of simplicity, requiring no special indexing or setup.
When it comes to precision, Full Text Search offers a more nuanced and sophisticated search experience. It not only locates records containing all the search terms, but also ranks them based on relevance. Additionally, it supports Boolean operators and query expansion for more complex searches.
In conclusion, both Full Text Search and the LIKE operator have their place in text searching. The choice between the two depends largely on your application's needs. If you require a powerful, sophisticated search function and can afford the additional storage requirements, Full Text Search is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a simple, straightforward search function with minimal overhead, the LIKE operator may be sufficient.