Question:
How can I perform a phonetic search in SQL? I need to search a database ofnames, but exact matches won’t work. Using phonetic matching, I could finda name registered as, for example, “Beeter” when searching on “Bester”.
Answer:
The fastest solution for text-based searches, including phonetic searches,is to use an add-on product to your front-end application developmentsystem (the product you choose will depend on your application developmentsystem).
The best advice I can offer, short of purchasing a productdesigned for complex text searches, is to create your own function orexternal routine. Joe Celko’s book “SQL for Smarties” includes a routinefor performing phonetic matching (please see my Books page under Resourcesfor more information about the book).
