PHP: the usage of "%" in a mysql_query

[uguxseo]

Alright, I'm not very good with PHP. Could anyone tell what the usage of "%" serves in a mysql_query, such as:

$query = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM dictionary_list WHERE word LIKE '$q%' LIMIT $limit") or die(mysql_error());

PS: This is a dictionary lookup. Say you put in "a", it will spit out:
A:
Aëneous:
Aërate:
Aëration:
Aërator:

 

[audax]

% is a wildcard.

In your example, it would return any records where the `word` starts with q.

 

[uguxseo]

Okay, awesome. +rep

 

[Supergeek]

The "%" has nothing to do with PHP...

 

[d03boy]

% goes with LIKE in sql

 

[Songoku]

% is a wildcard.

In your example, it would return any records where the `word` starts with q.

Any records where the 'word starts with the content of $q variable. Isnt it?