[discrete]
[[esql-like-operator]]
=== `LIKE`

Use `LIKE` to filter data based on string patterns using wildcards. `LIKE`
usually acts on a field placed on the left-hand side of the operator, but it can
also act on a constant (literal) expression. The right-hand side of the operator
represents the pattern.

The following wildcard characters are supported:

* `*` matches zero or more characters.
* `?` matches one character.

[source,esql]
----
FROM employees
| WHERE first_name LIKE "?b*"
| KEEP first_name, last_name
----