There must be of-the-shelf software around for this...I want to find a
program that converts batches of names (about 100,000) to soundex code
(the old nxxx). I would like to add a soundex field for each record in
the database, thus enabling a soundex search.

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Request for Question Clarification by webadept-ga on 13 Nov 2002 20:08 PST

Hi, 

Really I doubt there is, since it's so common of a function, and all
over the place for programers to use. If you are using MySQL for
instance it comes with a function to do this on Inserting a field, so
you just duplicate the field and you are done. Which database are you
using and can you link the list of names. If I can't find something
for your database, maybe I can just create the soundex for your file.
In Perl this takes about 10 mins of code.

webadept-ga

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Clarification of Question by lisolupa-ga on 14 Nov 2002 16:10 PST

Hello,

Thank you! Yes, I will be using My SQL. I am a neofite with it, as it
is for a future project. I saw the formula when I glaced through the
manual (and all over the place elsewhere). It is reassuring to hear
from you that it actally works. Hopefully, all the other formulas
provided by My SQL work too.

As a freelancer, I usually say "yes" to whatever project is at hand
and then go on the Internet to find out what the hell it is I have to
do...

Again, thank you very much and consider the question answered.

Best regards,
lisolupa-ga

Hi, 

Yes, it does really work :-) and if you have that database then it's
the easiest way to do soundex fields. You can do it with other
languages just as easy, but why bother? Unless there is a chance that
the customer might move to a different ISP which uses a different
database, then your code has to change. Might keep that in mind.

I'm glad you considered that an answer and I accept the thanks,

Good luck on your project,

webadept-ga

Although I realize it was kind of a stupid question and I am somewhat
embarassed, it saved me some time. The answer was quick and to the
point.
Thanks!