Full-text search (FTS) is the process of searching for words or phrases within a large volume of textual data. SQLite, a popular embedded database, provides extensions for full-text search known as FTS3 and FTS4 (and more recently FTS5), which enable efficient searching within text data stored in database tables.

Basics of Full-Text Search in SQLite

1. Creating an FTS Table

To utilize FTS, you first need to create an FTS table using the CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE SQL command. An FTS table is a special type of virtual table optimized for full-text search. Example:

CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE if not exists books USING fts5(title, author, description);

This command creates an FTS table named books using the FTS5 module and defines columns for the title, author, and description of books.

2. Indexing Data

After creating the FTS table, you need to insert data into it. The data is automatically indexed, enabling fast searches. Example data insertion:

INSERT INTO books (title, author, description) VALUES ('Book Title', 'Book Author', 'Book Description');

3. Performing Full-Text Search

To search within textual data, use the MATCH keyword. Example search:

SELECT * FROM books WHERE books MATCH 'Bronte';

This query will return all records where the word 'Bronte' appears in the columns of the books table.

Advanced Techniques in Full-Text Search

1. Using Ranking Functions

SQLite FTS modules provide ranking functions that allow sorting search results by relevance. To use these functions, they are often explicitly invoked in the SELECT query.

2. Tokenizers

FTS modules allow the use of different tokenizers, which affect how words in the text are divided into tokens during indexing. Choosing the right tokenizer can significantly impact the efficiency and accuracy of searches.

3. Trigram Search

For even more advanced searching, trigram search can be used, available in FTS5. This technique divides text into trigrams (groups of three characters), enabling efficient searching even when the searched text contains typos or other minor differences.

 

Efficient full-text search in SQLite requires the proper utilization of FTS modules and their functions. By creating an FTS table, indexing data correctly, and employing advanced search techniques, you can achieve fast and accurate results when searching within textual data. While SQLite offers powerful tools for full-text search, it is important to select appropriate settings and features for specific use cases to achieve optimal results.