What is the difference between REGEXP and RLIKE in MySQL?

Q: What is the difference between REGEXP and RLIKE in MySQL?

In MySQL, **REGEXP** and **RLIKE** are functionally identical operators used for pattern matching with regular expressions. They both allow you to match strings against a regular expression pattern in a SELECT query. **Synonyms:** `RLIKE` is simply a synonym for `REGEXP`; using either will produce the same results. **Pattern Matching:** Both operators support the full MySQL regular expression syntax, including anchors (`^`, `$`), character classes (`[a-z]`), quantifiers (`*`, `+`, `{n,m}`), alternation (`|`), and wildcards (`.`). **Case Sensitivity:** By default, both are case-insensitive for non-binary strings. The `BINARY` keyword can make the match case-sensitive. **Usage Example:** You can use `column REGEXP 'pattern'` or `column RLIKE 'pattern'` interchangeably in queries. In practice, there is no functional difference, and the choice between REGEXP and RLIKE is mostly a matter of style or readability. SELECT name FROM employees WHERE name REGEXP '^A'; SELECT name FROM employees WHERE name RLIKE '^A';

Difficulty: 5/10

pattern matching, SQL syntax, performance

Difference Between REGEXP and RLIKE in MySQL

In MySQL, REGEXP and RLIKE are functionally identical operators used for pattern matching with regular expressions. They both allow you to match strings against a regular expression pattern in a SELECT query.

Key Points About REGEXP and RLIKE

1
Synonyms: RLIKE is simply a synonym for REGEXP; using either will produce the same results.
2
Pattern Matching: Both operators support the full MySQL regular expression syntax, including anchors (^, $), character classes ([a-z]), quantifiers (, , ), alternation (), and wildcards ().

In practice, there is no functional difference, and the choice between REGEXP and RLIKE is mostly a matter of style or readability.

Example Using REGEXP

Example Using RLIKE

Scenario Questions

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2-5 years experience

1Your team added a REGEXP filter to a high‑traffic search query and observed a noticeable slowdown. Walk me through how you would diagnose the issue and decide whether to keep REGEXP or switch to RLIKE.

What is the difference between REGEXP and RLIKE in MySQL?

Difference Between REGEXP and RLIKE in MySQL

Scenario Questions

Follow-up Questions