Pattern recognition function in SQL

[vpooks]

Guys-

I am looking for some pattern recognisiton functions in SQL, if there are any, before I write of my own. My specific need is to check whether all characters, in a given string, are from a set of identified special characters. I know this is very easy in Unix, but need the the same functionality in SQL. Is there any function that I can use ? Or can any one suggest any pointers?

Thanks.

 

[JNeave]

PATINDEX ('%searchfor%', expression)