MySQL query to find out if part of a string is not numeric

Question

I'm trying to find a way to run a query which selects where the first two characters of an eight character string are Not numeric.

I've found a way to select if the entire string is numeric:

SELECT str FROM tbl
WHERE str REGEXP('(^[0-9]+$)');

So from my limited knowledge of regex I'm guessing that I'll need to use something like:

SELECT str FROM tbl
WHERE str REGEXP('(^[A-Z]+$)');

(I'm OK to use capitals for this as thats how the codes are stored)

I just don't know how to apply this test to just the first 2 characters of the string instead of the entire string?

LOL! Yep that worked, as I said my regex knowledge is very limited - that works a treat, thankyou. =D — RayZor
– RayZor, Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 12:50
Then I suggest you read a bit about regexes and what the chars and groups like ^, $ and {2} mean. For example www.regular-expressions.info can be a good start. :-) — KeyNone
– KeyNone, Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 12:52
Thanks, I will do - I've always got by using PHP functions but theres no avoiding them for complex selects in MySQL :) — RayZor
– RayZor, Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 12:54

vks · Accepted Answer · 2015-02-04 12:51:19Z

2

^[A-Z]{2}

Try this.This should do it.

answered Feb 4, 2015 at 12:51

vks

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