If in a sql query??

[Anon]

Wondered if it is possible to use a if to check if a string exists, in a sql query..?

[[deleted]]

Yes, but ANSI SQL calls it a CASE statement.
Check your local SQL manual for the exact syntax.

But, what exactly are you trying to do? Can't you solve it with a WHERE clause?

[griffith]

Well, there are probably better methods for doing what I want, but this is what I want:

If I am building a search enging, and in the form page, it is possible to select (dropdown) whick categories you want to search.. and the one which is default selected is "all categories".. when it is submitted, I "need??" a check to see if the CatID exists, so that I know if I should have "and CatID = $pCatID".. in my query..

Have you got a good solution for me?? In cfml I can use as many check I want.. the way I tried to explain above..

[[deleted]]

Ah, so you want to check if a PHP variable exists before you add something to the query.

That is definately something you want to do in PHP, NOT in SQL.

[Anon]

Something like:

$sql = "SELECT * FROM searchTable ";
if( !empty( $fieldID ) OR $fieldID > 0 )
$sql .= "WHERE catid = '$fieldID'";

then query.

that might work... or will it?

[[deleted]]

Something like that yes.
I'd go for

if (isset($fieldID))
{
$sql .= blabla
};