query for various spelling possibilities

[gobeav3rs297]

Hi, I'm working on a database project for class and I need do an error search type: Example: Look for the name Kathleen but with various spelling possibilities (Cathleen, Kathlene, etc). How would i go about doing this? Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Vincent

 

[The_Doc_Man]

Access by itself doesn't do this very well. There are some modules one could purchase that do a SounDex algorithm (sounds like) to match the various Kathleens of the world. But there is no "clear cut" method.

Try searching this forum for the topic "Spelling" and skim the topics. I recall seeing some posts from a while back that discussed alternate spellings - in this case as part of a business database.

The other alternative is that you have to make a list of names that are considered alternates to one particular name. Then make a table that shows the preferred spelling and the alternates. Include the preferred spelling in the table as an alternate of itself. (Trust me...) Then when you get a name that you anticipated, do a DLookup (see Access Help for details) to find the preferred spelling of that name.

What is the catch? Well, if a name comes up that you never considered, you will fail in the lookup. Like Pammela for Pamela or Glenn for Glen or something like that. Also for foreign names - like Katrina for Catherine. In the final analysis, your name reducer will only be as good as the tables that drive it.

 

[gobeav3rs297]

Hi, thanks for the quick reply. I'm not quite familiar with using Access database but i read somewhere that Mysql has a built in Soundex algorithm that would do what you mentioned in the reply to my post. I was wondering if anyone can list off some of the weaknesses and strengths of both Mysql and Access, how Mysql stand up against Access because I'm still deciding on which route to go as a foundation for the project. Much thanks.

Vincent

 

[gemma-the-husky]

having said that partial searches should work

eg Kathy, Kathleen, Cath, Kathryn, all have "ath" in there

a partial search for "ath" would get these, as well as perhaps some others you didnt want.

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the other way of approaching this is a combo box type solution
in a combo box the selection "zooms" in as you refine it

so typing K will start at Kath (maybe) but also include Ken
as you type the next character it zooms in to the first match it finds.

so Ke then finds Ken and Kenneth and ignores the Ka's


i would think spelling checker on a name is very hard as there are so many unusual spellings out there

 

[Dennisk]

Develop a Soundex function.