Need help with select * from table_name where field=*

pplastiras · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-11, 12:27

Hi,

i want to ask if it's possible to use * in a situation like this:

Code:

select * from table_name where field=*

I'm talking about the where condition. Is there any way to select every value from a db column. I let you know that i cannot just put this field out of where because i want to field to become * if user don't input anything. I thought to use an if ... else.... but it will not suit me because i have to create a very confusing query.

Please help me!!!!!

r937 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-11, 13:03

no, you cannot do anything like that

what application language are you using? php?

healdem · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-11, 14:25

you can use wildcard characters in a where clause

eg
SELECT my, comma, separeted, column, list FROM mytable
WHERE surname LIKE "pplas%"

pplastiras · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-11, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by r937

what application language are you using? php?

yes i'm using php....

Quote:

Originally Posted by healdem

you can use wildcard characters in a where clause

i will try to use some wildcard characters and let you know...
thanks for the help...!!!!!

r937 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-11, 15:26

use your php code to perform the following check --

if the user submits something, let's say the value 'foo', just plug it into the following WHERE clause using an AND connector --

Code:

SELECT something
     , anything
     , just_not_the_dreaded_evil_select_star 
  FROM daTable
 WHERE 1 = 1
   AND somecolumn = 'foo'

but if the user's submission is empty, which means the user wants all rows, the use php to construct your query without the AND condition --

Code:

SELECT something
     , anything
     , just_not_the_dreaded_evil_select_star 
  FROM daTable
 WHERE 1 = 1

this will now return all rows

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