asked on

SQL/Query won't return records with Blanks when I want to retain them

This query

SELECT STK_MASTER.STOCK_CODE, STK_MASTER.STOCK_CATEGORY, STK_MASTER.STOCK_DESCRIPTION_1, STK_MASTER.STOCK_DESCRIPTION_2FROM OURDB.dbo.STK_MASTER STK_MASTER
WHERE (STK_MASTER.STOCK_DESCRIPTION_2 Not Like '%DO NOT USE%')

Returns only records which do not contain the text DO NOT USE in the field STOCK_DESCRIPTION_2, unfortunately it also does not return fields where STOCK_DESCRIPTION_2 is blank. I need it to return the blank records as well
SQL-Issue.JPG

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Kelvin Sparks

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SOLUTION

PortletPaul

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sir plus

ASKER

I gave points to PortletPaul for the fantastic explanation because I didn't get why from just the solution.
Hope that's ok with everyone..
Many thanks for working out what out IT people couldn't......

PortletPaul

it's fine by me :)
not sure I would claim my clear as mud explanation is fantastic - but thank you.

just note that NULL is a special case generally needing explicit conditions through:
IS NULL / IS NOT NULL
or
ISNULL()

Cheers, Paul.

Kelvin Sparks

Thanks, When reading PortletPaul's response, I did hope that you'd reward him too.

Kelvin