Support LIKE Syntax for Pattern Matching in Oracle NoSQL #66
Description
Oracle NoSQL provides an excellent developer experience by offering a SQL-like query language. One of its most important strengths is reducing cognitive load for developers familiar with SQL syntax. However, while Oracle NoSQL supports Java regular expressions for pattern matching, it does not support the traditional SQL LIKE syntax.
This request is to add support for LIKE as an operator in queries, using familiar SQL wildcard semantics:
%to match any sequence of characters_to match a single character
Why This Matters
As a contributor and committer on the Jakarta Data and Jakarta NoSQL specifications, I’ve helped design and define the behavior of data access APIs for both relational and NoSQL databases. In both specifications, LIKE is treated as a standard operator because of its widespread usage and developer familiarity.
By supporting LIKE, Oracle NoSQL would:
- Align more closely with Jakarta Data and Jakarta NoSQL
- Lower the learning curve for developers transitioning from SQL-based databases
- Offer a more consistent and intuitive API, improving the overall DX (Developer Experience)
- Increase Oracle NoSQL's competitive advantage over other NoSQL databases that do not emphasize SQL-like expressiveness
Oracle NoSQL is well-positioned to become a developer-friendly NoSQL platform, bridging the gap between traditional SQL databases and modern distributed storage. Supporting LIKE would further that mission.