Oracle SOUNDEX function
Description
The Oracle SOUNDEX function returns a character string containing the phonetic representation of char. This function lets you compare words that are spelled differently, but sound alike in English.
It helps in tasks like fuzzy matching and phonetic search. This function does not support CLOB data directly. However, CLOBs can be passed in as arguments through implicit data conversion.
Uses of Oracle SOUNDEX Function
- Phonetic Matching: Compare words that are spelled differently but sound alike.
- Data Deduplication: Identify and merge records with phonetically similar names.
- Search Optimization: Enhance search functionality by allowing phonetic searches.
- Error Tolerance: Improve user input handling by accepting minor spelling variations.
Syntax:
SOUNDEX(char)
Parameters:
| Name | Description | Data Types |
|---|---|---|
| char | A string whose SOUNDEX string is to be retrieved. | CHAR, VARCHAR2, NCHAR, or NVARCHAR2 |
Return Value Type
CHAR, VARCHAR2, NCHAR, or NVARCHAR2
Applies to
Oracle 12c, Oracle 11g, Oracle 10g, Oracle 9i, Oracle 8i
Examples: Oracle SOUNDEX function
The following example returns the employees whose last names are a phonetic representation of "Smyth":
SELECT last_name, first_name
FROM employees
WHERE SOUNDEX(last_name) = SOUNDEX('SMYTHE') ORDER BY last_name, first_name;
Sample Output:
LAST_NAME FIRST_NAME ---------- ---------- Smith Lindsey Smith William