The approximate pattern matcher lets you find 'looks roughly like' or
'sounds like' information. To invoke a fuzzy match precede the word
or pattern with the '%' (percent) character.
This pattern matcher locates items by examining how 'closely' the text
matches your query item. It uses percentages of difference as a measure, and
will default to finding items with 80% similar content. You may specify
a different percentage on the query line by following the '%' with a two
digit number that represents the value you desire.
It is important to note our method is far superior to the "soundex" method
found in many other tools. Here's why:
- Handles character transpositions and ommissions
- Can be used on non-word items like addresses
- Will match foreign language constructions
- Finds accidental OCR errors or character insertions
Examples:
Expression Will Find
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ronald %regan Ronald Raygun, Ronald Re~an, Ronald 8eagan
%75MYPARTNO9045d/6a Anything within 75% of looking like MYPARTNO9045d/6a
mo* %quadaffi mohamar kadaffi, Mo Qadaffi, etc...
Note: Since fuzzy searching by its very nature tends to bring back
more than you really wanted, it is always a really good idea to try to
'anchor' your fuzzy term with another keyword. (Like the %regan
example).