## 3.3 Truncation and masking

Truncation

Truncation is the replacement of 1 or more characters at the end (or in the middle) of a word with a truncation character (the asterix).

Depending on the database there might be a default maximum number of characters that will be retrieved. In the Business Premium Collection that number is 5.

Example

Searching for econom* will find economy, economics, economical, etc.

To define how extensive the truncation should be (in Business Premium Collection), a number (within square brackets) can be entered next to the asterisk.

Example

Searching for econom[*2] will find economy, economis but not economist, i.e. will replace up to 2 characters only.

Searching for behavi*r will retrieve behavior and behaviour.

Masking

Masking is the replacement of any single character, either inside or at the right end of the word with a masking symbol (wildcard character).

Note: Masking symbols can vary per database! Check the help files in a database to find out the correct masking symbol.

Example

In the Business Premium Collection, the question mark symbol (?) is the Wildcard character. A single ? will retrieve only one more character, ?? won't retrieve less than 2 more characters, etc.

Searching for organi$ation will retrieve organisation and organization.