====== FUZZY Matching  ======

TapeMaster supports fuzzy pattern matching using the special filter prefix:

''FUZZY:text:floor ''

  * ''text'' the string you are searching for
  * ''floor'' the minimum fuzzy score required for a match 

A higher floor equals a stricter match, lower floor means a looser match.  The fuzzy floor value is typically between 0 and 100.

===== Example=====

Example set of Description values for Volumes in TapeMaster:

Production database weekly backup \\
Prod DB full backup \\
Prod data backup set \\
Production export dump \\
Development database backup \\
Weekly archive - finance system \\

==== Low Match (Loose Filtering) ====

Use a low floor value to allow broad matching, abbreviations, and partial similarity.

<code> FUZZY:production backup:40 </code>

This will typically match:

Production database weekly backup \\
Prod DB full backup \\
Prod data backup set \\
PRD database BKP \\
Production export dump \\

This level is useful when Description fields are inconsistent or abbreviated.

==== Medium Match (Balanced Filtering) ====

Use a medium floor value for normal operational filtering. This reduces false positives while still allowing minor differences.

<code> FUZZY:production backup:70 </code>

This will typically match:

Production database weekly backup \\
Prod DB full backup \\
Prod data backup set \\

This will typically exclude:

Production export dump \\
Development database backup \\
Weekly archive - finance system \\

This is recommended for most day-to-day filtering in TapeMaster.

==== High Match (Strict Filtering) ====

Use a high floor value when the Description field is consistent and you require close similarity.

<code> FUZZY:production backup:90 </code>

This will typically match:

Production backup \\
Production database backup \\

This will typically exclude:

Production database weekly backup \\
Prod DB full backup \\
Prod data backup set \\
PRD database BKP \\

This level is useful when you want to avoid incorrect or loosely related matches.

===== Fuzzy Floor Guidelines =====

^ Floor Value ^ Match Type ^ Typical Use ^
| 30 - 50 | Low (Loose) | Inconsistent descriptions, abbreviations |
| 60 - 80 | Medium | Normal operational filtering |
| 85 - 95 | High (Strict) | Standardised Description formats |

===== Additional Examples =====

Find descriptions similar to "monthly archive":

<code> FUZZY:monthly archive:45 </code> 

<code> FUZZY:monthly archive:70 </code> 

<code> FUZZY:monthly archive:90 </code>

===== See Also=====

[[general:pattern_matching|pattern matching]] \\
[[technote:list|LIST matching]]

{{tag> technote pattern string}}