how do I pass the wildcard operator with a bind variable?

I'm querying my database via the web using a stored procedure that accepts parameter arguments bound to variables within the select string. Specifically, my calling HTML form sends a five-character ZIP code string parameter. And it is evaluated in the where clause, ala
"WHERE address.zip_code LIKE :zip"

Ideally, I'd like the user to be able to enter a partial ZIP code, e.g.,
"902" , and get back all 902xx hits. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be
able to pass the "%" sign in the URL.

I've come up with a hack using single character wildcards, like this... RPAD(RTRIM(:zip),5,''_''). But the response time is unacceptable.

Anyone have a great idea on how to do this?

Thanks!

Eric Received on Wed Jul 01 1998 - 16:08:04 CDT