MySQL in a Nutshell

Name

MATCH ( ) AGAINST( )

Synopsis

MATCH(column[, ...]) AGAINST (string)

Use this function in WHERE clauses as a condition to search table columns for a given string. Text in the string delimited by spaces or quotes is parsed into separate words. Small words (three characters or less) are ignored. Then the words are used for searching columns. It requires a FULLTEXT index for columns searched.

SELECT applicant_id
FROM applications
WHERE MATCH (essay) AGAINST ('English');

This SQL statement searches the table containing data on people applying for admission to the university. The essay column contains a copy of the applicant’s admission essay. The column is searched for applicants who mention the word “English” so that a list of applicants that have voiced an interest in the English program will be displayed.