Table of Contents for

MySQL in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition

This function is used only for columns indexed by a FULLTEXT index, and only in WHERE clauses. In these clauses, it can be a condition used to search columns for a given string. Text in the string containing spaces is parsed into separate words, so a column matches if it contains at least one word. Small words (three characters or less) are ignored. Here is an example:

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 college. 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 who have voiced an interest in the English program will be displayed.