comparing null values

[Gary Jackson]

Can anyone explain why it is that I seem unable to use 'like' and 'not like' on columns containing null values. (I am unable to find information regarding this on MetaLink.)

For example:

SQL> select * from tester2;

COL1 COL2 WHATEVER
---- ---- --------
1 1 STUFF
2 2 STUFF
3 3
4 4

SQL> select * from tester2 where whatever not like '%STU%';
no rows selected


My question is why does this not return the 3 & 4 columns?

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Author: Gary Jackson
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