### Like pattern operator

Basic and Crystal syntax.

The Like operator is useful for selecting records to include or exclude from your report.

##### Usage

x like y
{fieldname} like "c?n*"

This operator tests to see if the contents of {fieldname} matches a pattern that you specify in a character string "c?n*". If the contents of the field do fit the pattern "c?n*", then the formula returns the value True. If the field starts with anything else, the formula returns False.

Use the wildcard symbols ? and * to stand for variable characters. The ? stands for a single character. The * symbol stands for any number of characters.

##### Examples

The following examples are applicable to both Basic and Crystal syntax:

`{customer.FIRST NAME} like "D?n"`

TRUE, where {customer.FIRST NAME} = Dan or Don.

`{customer.FIRST NAME} like "D?n"`

FALSE, where {customer.FIRST NAME} = Doug or Rob.

`{customer.LAST NAME} like "*s?n*"`

TRUE, where {customer.LAST NAME} = Johnson or Olson or Olsen.

`{customer.LAST NAME} like "*s?n*"`

FALSE, where {customer.LAST NAME} = Johnston or Smith.

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