Package org.apache.cayenne.exp

# Class ExpressionFactory

java.lang.Object
org.apache.cayenne.exp.ExpressionFactory

public class ExpressionFactory extends Object
Helper class to build expressions.

- ## Field Summary

  Fields
  Modifier and Type
  Field
  Description
  `static final char`
  `SPLIT_SEPARATOR`
  A "split" character, "|", that is understood by some of the ExpressionFactory methods that require splitting joins in the middle of the path.

- ## Constructor Summary

  Constructors
  Constructor
  Description
  `ExpressionFactory()`

- ## Method Summary

  Modifier and Type
  Method
  Description
  `static Expression`
  `and(Collection<Expression> expressions)`
  `static Expression`
  `and(Expression... expressions)`
  `static Expression`
  `betweenDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)`
  A convenience shortcut for building BETWEEN expressions.
  `static Expression`
  `betweenExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)`
  A convenience shortcut for building BETWEEN expressions.
  `static Expression`
  `betweenExp(Expression exp, Object value1, Object value2)`
  `static Expression`
  `containsExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `containsExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `containsIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  Same as `containsExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
  `static Expression`
  `containsIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `dbIdPathExp(String pathSpec)`
  `static Expression`
  `dbPathExp(String pathSpec)`
  `static Expression`
  `enclosingObjectExp(Expression exp)`
  `static Expression`
  `endsWithExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `endsWithExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `endsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  Same as `endsWithExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
  `static Expression`
  `endsWithIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `exists(FluentSelect<?> subQuery)`
  `static Expression`
  `exp(String expressionString, Object... parameters)`
  Parses string, converting it to Expression and optionally binding positional parameters.
  `static Expression`
  `expFalse()`
  A convenience shortcut for boolean false expression.
  `static Expression`
  `expressionOfType(int type)`
  Creates a new expression for the type requested.
  `static Expression`
  `expTrue()`
  A convenience shortcut for boolean true expression.
  `static Expression`
  `fullObjectExp()`
  `static Expression`
  `fullObjectExp(Expression exp)`
  `static Expression`
  `greaterDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "greater than" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `greaterExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "greater than" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `greaterExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `greaterOrEqualDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "greater than or equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `greaterOrEqualExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "greater than or equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `greaterOrEqualExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `inDbExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN DB expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inDbExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN DB expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN DBID expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN DBID expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `inExp(Expression exp, Object... values)`
  `static Expression`
  `inExp(Expression exp, Collection<?> values)`
  `static Expression`
  `inExp(Expression exp, ColumnSelect<?> subQuery)`
  `static Expression`
  `joinExp(int type, Collection<Expression> expressions)`
  Joins all expressions, making a single expression.
  `static Expression`
  `joinExp(int type, Expression... expressions)`
  Joins all expressions, making a single expression.
  `static Expression`
  `lessDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "less than" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `lessExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "less than" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `lessExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `lessOrEqualDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "less than or equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `lessOrEqualExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "less than or equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `lessOrEqualExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `likeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE DB_PATH expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE DB_PATH expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `likeExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  `static Expression`
  `likeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `likeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `matchAllDbExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)`
  Creates an expression that matches all key-values pairs in `map`.
  `static Expression`
  `matchAllExp(String path, Object... values)`
  `static Expression`
  `matchAllExp(String path, Collection<?> values)`
  Creates an expression to match a collection of values against a single path expression.
  `static Expression`
  `matchAllExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)`
  Creates an expression that matches all key-values pairs in `map`.
  `static Expression`
  `matchAnyDbExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)`
  Creates an expression that matches any of the key-values pairs in `map`.
  `static Expression`
  `matchAnyExp(List<? extends Persistent> objects)`
  Creates an expression that matches any of the objects contained in the list `objects`
  `static Expression`
  `matchAnyExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)`
  Creates an expression that matches any of the key-values pairs in the `map`.
  `static Expression`
  `matchAnyExp(Persistent... objects)`
  Creates an expression that matches any of the objects contained in the `objects` array
  `static Expression`
  `matchDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `matchDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DBID_PATH "equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `matchExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `matchExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `matchExp(Persistent object)`
  Creates an expression that matches the primary key of object in `ObjectId`'s `IdSnapshot` for the argument `object`.
  `static Expression`
  `noMatchDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "not equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `noMatchDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an DBID_PATH "not equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `noMatchExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "not equal to" expression.
  `static Expression`
  `noMatchExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `notBetweenDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_BETWEEN expressions.
  `static Expression`
  `notBetweenExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_BETWEEN expressions.
  `static Expression`
  `notBetweenExp(Expression exp, Object value1, Object value2)`
  `static Expression`
  `notExists(FluentSelect<?> subQuery)`
  `static Expression`
  `notInDbExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInDbExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notInExp(Expression exp, Object... values)`
  `static Expression`
  `notInExp(Expression exp, Collection<?> values)`
  `static Expression`
  `notInExp(Expression exp, ColumnSelect<?> subQuery)`
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value)`
  `static Expression`
  `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)`
  `static Expression`
  `or(Collection<Expression> expressions)`
  `static Expression`
  `or(Expression... expressions)`
  `static Expression`
  `pathExp(String pathSpec)`
  `static Expression`
  `startsWithExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `startsWithExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `static Expression`
  `startsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)`
  Same as `startsWithExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
  `static Expression`
  `startsWithIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)`
  `protected static Object`
  `wrapPathOperand(Object op)`
  Applies a few default rules for adding operands to expressions.
  `static Expression`
  `wrapScalarValue(Object value)`
  Wrap value into ASTScalar

  ### Methods inherited from class java.lang.Object

  `clone, equals, finalize, getClass, hashCode, notify, notifyAll, toString, wait, wait, wait`

- ## Field Details

  - ### SPLIT_SEPARATOR

    public static final char SPLIT_SEPARATOR
    A "split" character, "|", that is understood by some of the ExpressionFactory methods that require splitting joins in the middle of the path.
    Since:
      3.0
    See Also:
      - Constant Field Values

- ## Constructor Details

  - ### ExpressionFactory

    public ExpressionFactory()

- ## Method Details

  - ### expressionOfType

    public static Expression expressionOfType(int type)
    Creates a new expression for the type requested. If type is unknown, ExpressionException is thrown.

  - ### wrapPathOperand

    protected static Object wrapPathOperand(Object op)
    Applies a few default rules for adding operands to expressions. In particular wraps all lists into LIST expressions. Applied only in path expressions.

  - ### matchAnyDbExp

    public static Expression matchAnyDbExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)
    Creates an expression that matches any of the key-values pairs in `map`.

    For each pair `pairType` operator is used to build a binary expression. Key is considered to be a DB_PATH expression. OR is used to join pair binary expressions.

  - ### matchAllDbExp

    public static Expression matchAllDbExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)
    Creates an expression that matches all key-values pairs in `map`.

    For each pair `pairType` operator is used to build a binary expression. Key is considered to be a DB_PATH expression. AND is used to join pair binary expressions.

  - ### matchAnyExp

    public static Expression matchAnyExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)
    Creates an expression that matches any of the key-values pairs in the `map`.

    For each pair `pairType` operator is used to build a binary expression. Key is considered to be a OBJ_PATH expression. OR is used to join pair binary expressions.

  - ### matchAllExp

    public static Expression matchAllExp(Map<String,?> map, int pairType)
    Creates an expression that matches all key-values pairs in `map`.

    For each pair `pairType` operator is used to build a binary expression. Key is considered to be a OBJ_PATH expression. AND is used to join pair binary expressions.

  - ### matchAllExp

    public static Expression matchAllExp(String path, Collection<?> values)
    Creates an expression to match a collection of values against a single path expression.

    ### Splits

    Note that "path" argument here can use a split character (a pipe symbol - '|') instead of dot to indicate that relationship following a path should be split into a separate set of joins. There can only be one split at most. Split must always precede a relationship. E.g. "|exhibits.paintings", "exhibits|paintings", etc.

    Parameters:
      `path` - expression
      `values` - collection to match
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### matchAllExp

    public static Expression matchAllExp(String path, Object... values)
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### matchDbExp

    public static Expression matchDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "equal to" expression.

  - ### noMatchDbExp

    public static Expression noMatchDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "not equal to" expression.

  - ### matchExp

    public static Expression matchExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "equal to" expression.

  - ### matchExp

    public static Expression matchExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `matchExp(String, Object)`

  - ### noMatchExp

    public static Expression noMatchExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "not equal to" expression.

  - ### noMatchExp

    public static Expression noMatchExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `noMatchExp(String, Object)`

  - ### matchDbIdExp

    public static Expression matchDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DBID_PATH "equal to" expression.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### noMatchDbIdExp

    public static Expression noMatchDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DBID_PATH "not equal to" expression.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### lessExp

    public static Expression lessExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "less than" expression.

  - ### lessExp

    public static Expression lessExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `lessExp(String, Object)`

  - ### lessDbExp

    public static Expression lessDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "less than" expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### lessOrEqualExp

    public static Expression lessOrEqualExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "less than or equal to" expression.

  - ### lessOrEqualExp

    public static Expression lessOrEqualExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `lessOrEqualExp(String, Object)`

  - ### lessOrEqualDbExp

    public static Expression lessOrEqualDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "less than or equal to" expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### greaterExp

    public static Expression greaterExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "greater than" expression.

  - ### greaterExp

    public static Expression greaterExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `greaterExp(String, Object)`

  - ### greaterDbExp

    public static Expression greaterDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "greater than" expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### greaterOrEqualExp

    public static Expression greaterOrEqualExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an OBJ_PATH "greater than or equal to" expression.

  - ### greaterOrEqualExp

    public static Expression greaterOrEqualExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `greaterOrEqualExp(String, Object)`

  - ### greaterOrEqualDbExp

    public static Expression greaterOrEqualDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience method to create an DB_PATH "greater than or equal to" expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### inExp

    public static Expression inExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.

  - ### inExp

    public static Expression inExp(Expression exp, Object... values)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `inExp(String, Object[])`

  - ### inDbExp

    public static Expression inDbExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN DB expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.

  - ### inExp

    public static Expression inExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.

  - ### inDbIdExp

    public static Expression inDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN DBID expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### inExp

    public static Expression inExp(Expression exp, Collection<?> values)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `inExp(String, Collection)`

  - ### inDbExp

    public static Expression inDbExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN DB expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.

  - ### inDbIdExp

    public static Expression inDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building IN DBID expression. Return ASTFalse for empty collection.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### notInExp

    public static Expression notInExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.

  - ### notInExp

    public static Expression notInExp(Expression exp, Collection<?> values)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notInExp(String, Collection)`

  - ### notInDbExp

    public static Expression notInDbExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### notInDbIdExp

    public static Expression notInDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Collection<?> values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### notInExp

    public static Expression notInExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.
    Since:
      1.0.6

  - ### notInExp

    public static Expression notInExp(Expression exp, Object... values)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notInExp(String, Object[])`

  - ### notInDbExp

    public static Expression notInDbExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### notInDbIdExp

    public static Expression notInDbIdExp(String pathSpec, Object... values)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_IN expression. Return ASTTrue for empty collection.
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### betweenExp

    public static Expression betweenExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)
    A convenience shortcut for building BETWEEN expressions.

  - ### betweenExp

    public static Expression betweenExp(Expression exp, Object value1, Object value2)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `betweenExp(String, Object, Object)`

  - ### betweenDbExp

    public static Expression betweenDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)
    A convenience shortcut for building BETWEEN expressions.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### notBetweenExp

    public static Expression notBetweenExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_BETWEEN expressions.

  - ### notBetweenExp

    public static Expression notBetweenExp(Expression exp, Object value1, Object value2)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notBetweenExp(String, Object, Object)`

  - ### notBetweenDbExp

    public static Expression notBetweenDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value1, Object value2)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_BETWEEN expressions.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### likeExp

    public static Expression likeExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE expression.

  - ### likeExp

    public static Expression likeExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `likeExp(String, Object)`

  - ### likeExp

    public static Expression likeExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### likeExp

    public static Expression likeExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `likeExp(String, Object)`

  - ### likeDbExp

    public static Expression likeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE DB_PATH expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### likeDbExp

    public static Expression likeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE DB_PATH expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### notLikeExp

    public static Expression notLikeExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.

  - ### notLikeExp

    public static Expression notLikeExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notLikeExp(String, Object)`

  - ### notLikeExp

    public static Expression notLikeExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### notLikeExp

    public static Expression notLikeExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notLikeExp(String, Object)`

  - ### notLikeDbExp

    public static Expression notLikeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### notLikeDbExp

    public static Expression notLikeDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### likeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression likeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

  - ### likeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression likeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `likeIgnoreCaseExp(String, Object)`

  - ### likeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression likeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### likeIgnoreCaseDbExp

    public static Expression likeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### likeIgnoreCaseDbExp

    public static Expression likeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String, Object)`

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, Object value, char escapeChar)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `notLikeIgnoreCaseExp(String, Object, char)`

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value)
    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp

    public static Expression notLikeIgnoreCaseDbExp(String pathSpec, Object value, char escapeChar)

    A convenience shortcut for building NOT_LIKE_IGNORE_CASE expression.

    The escape character allows for escaping meta-characters in the LIKE clause. Note that the escape character cannot be '?'. To specify no escape character, supply 0 as the escape character.

    Since:
      3.0.1

  - ### containsExp

    public static Expression containsExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Returns:
      An expression for a database "LIKE" query with the value converted to a pattern matching anywhere in the String.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### containsExp

    public static Expression containsExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `containsExp(String, String)`

  - ### startsWithExp

    public static Expression startsWithExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Returns:
      An expression for a database "LIKE" query with the value converted to a pattern matching the beginning of the String.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### startsWithExp

    public static Expression startsWithExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `startsWithExp(String, String)`

  - ### endsWithExp

    public static Expression endsWithExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Returns:
      An expression for a database "LIKE" query with the value converted to a pattern matching the beginning of the String.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### endsWithExp

    public static Expression endsWithExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `endsWithExp(String, String)`

  - ### containsIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression containsIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Same as `containsExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### containsIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression containsIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `containsIgnoreCaseExp(String, String)`

  - ### startsWithIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression startsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Same as `startsWithExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### startsWithIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression startsWithIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `startsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String, String)`

  - ### endsWithIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression endsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String pathSpec, String value)
    Same as `endsWithExp(String, String)` only using case-insensitive comparison.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### endsWithIgnoreCaseExp

    public static Expression endsWithIgnoreCaseExp(Expression exp, String value)
    Since:
      4.0
    See Also:
      - `endsWithIgnoreCaseExp(String, String)`

  - ### pathExp

    public static Expression pathExp(String pathSpec)
    Parameters:
      `pathSpec` - a String "obj:" path.
    Returns:
      a new "obj:" path expression for the specified String path.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### dbPathExp

    public static Expression dbPathExp(String pathSpec)
    Parameters:
      `pathSpec` - a String db: path.
    Returns:
      a new "db:" path expression for the specified String path.
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### dbIdPathExp

    public static Expression dbIdPathExp(String pathSpec)
    Parameters:
      `pathSpec` - a String "dbid:" path
    Returns:
      a new "dbid:" path expressiob fofr the specified String path
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### expTrue

    public static Expression expTrue()
    A convenience shortcut for boolean true expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### expFalse

    public static Expression expFalse()
    A convenience shortcut for boolean false expression.
    Since:
      3.0

  - ### joinExp

    public static Expression joinExp(int type, Collection<Expression> expressions)
    Joins all expressions, making a single expression. `type` is used as an expression type for expressions joining each one of the items on the list. `type` must be binary expression type.

    For example, if type is Expression.AND, resulting expression would match all expressions in the list. If type is Expression.OR, resulting expression would match any of the expressions.

  - ### joinExp

    public static Expression joinExp(int type, Expression... expressions)
    Joins all expressions, making a single expression. `type` is used as an expression type for expressions joining each one of the items in the array. `type` must be binary expression type.

    For example, if type is Expression.AND, resulting expression would match all expressions in the list. If type is Expression.OR, resulting expression would match any of the expressions.

    Since:
      4.1

  - ### matchExp

    public static Expression matchExp(Persistent object)
    Creates an expression that matches the primary key of object in `ObjectId`'s `IdSnapshot` for the argument `object`.

  - ### matchAnyExp

    public static Expression matchAnyExp(List<? extends Persistent> objects)
    Creates an expression that matches any of the objects contained in the list `objects`

  - ### matchAnyExp

    public static Expression matchAnyExp(Persistent... objects)
    Creates an expression that matches any of the objects contained in the `objects` array

  - ### fullObjectExp

    public static Expression fullObjectExp()

  - ### fullObjectExp

    public static Expression fullObjectExp(Expression exp)

  - ### enclosingObjectExp

    public static Expression enclosingObjectExp(Expression exp)
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### and

    public static Expression and(Collection<Expression> expressions)
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### and

    public static Expression and(Expression... expressions)
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### or

    public static Expression or(Collection<Expression> expressions)
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### or

    public static Expression or(Expression... expressions)
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### exp

    public static Expression exp(String expressionString, Object... parameters)
    Parses string, converting it to Expression and optionally binding positional parameters. If a string does not represent a semantically correct expression, an ExpressionException is thrown.

    Binding of parameters by name (as opposed to binding by position) can be achieved by chaining this call with `Expression.params(Map)`.

    Since:
      4.0

  - ### wrapScalarValue

    public static Expression wrapScalarValue(Object value)
    Wrap value into ASTScalar
    Since:
      4.0

  - ### exists

    public static Expression exists(FluentSelect<?> subQuery)
    Parameters:
      `subQuery` - `ObjectSelect` or `ColumnSelect`
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### notExists

    public static Expression notExists(FluentSelect<?> subQuery)
    Parameters:
      `subQuery` - `ObjectSelect` or `ColumnSelect`
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### inExp

    public static Expression inExp(Expression exp, ColumnSelect<?> subQuery)
    Since:
      4.2

  - ### notInExp

    public static Expression notInExp(Expression exp, ColumnSelect<?> subQuery)
    Since:
      4.2