I need to update a record in table users where the record number is within a variable

the variable is called “ invoice” it’s value is G-123-456

I need to filter on just the 456 part of the variable.

UPDATE users
SET active=0
WHERE user_usr LIKE ‘ ‘’-’’-invoice

Not sure where to start on this.

Nick

look at the MySQL string functions

on the face of it right looks promising
it should be trivial if there are always 3 characters to match. if not then you are going to have to dabble with the likes of instr to find where to start comparing

Or set up a column that just holds that piece of the invoice you are after. You could even set up a trigger to populate it at insert time.
Dave

This is a the variable are from PayPal IPN which has ver limited number of fields to work with. I was hoping to put all the information I needed into a single field and parse it when I receive the notification. Would it help if I formatted it: G123IM456 then look for letters followed by numbers?

look up the use of SUBSTRING_INDEX and leave the - in there to search on.

why not use REGEXP and regular expression
since the expression is simple, it should work fast.

Check: MySQL :: MySQL 5.1 Reference Manual :: 11.5.2 Regular Expressions