MySQL Natural Language & Boolean Mode – Full-Text Search Modes Explained

Introduction – What Are Natural Language & Boolean Mode in MySQL?

When using Full-Text Search in MySQL, two powerful modes define how queries behave:

• Natural Language Mode – Ranks results by relevance, automatically interprets search intent
• Boolean Mode – Offers full control over search logic using operators like +, -, ", and *

These modes power smart keyword filtering, search engines, and document scanning systems.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The difference between Natural Language and Boolean mode
• Syntax and operator usage
• Examples and best practices
• When to use each mode

📗 1. Natural Language Mode – Smart, Relevance-Based Matching

Syntax

SELECT * FROM articles
WHERE MATCH(title, body)
AGAINST('mysql performance tuning');

MySQL automatically:

• Parses input
• Removes stopwords
• Calculates a relevance score
• Ranks results by best match

Features

Example – Search Articles

SELECT id, title,
MATCH(title, body) AGAINST('full text search') AS relevance
FROM articles
ORDER BY relevance DESC;

Results sorted by match quality

2. Boolean Mode – Manual Control with Operators

Syntax

SELECT * FROM articles
WHERE MATCH(title, body)
AGAINST('+mysql -oracle' IN BOOLEAN MODE);

You control what to include, exclude, require, and group

Boolean Operators Table

Example – Strict Filtering

AGAINST('+security +audit -logging' IN BOOLEAN MODE);

Finds content with security AND audit, but NOT logging

3. Natural vs Boolean Mode – Comparison

4. Real-World Use Cases

5. Tips & Best Practices

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

MySQL Full-Text Search offers two powerful modes:

• Use Natural Language Mode when you want intelligent, ranked matches
• Use Boolean Mode when you want precise, operator-driven filtering

Both rely on MATCH(...) AGAINST(...) and require FULLTEXT indexes.

Key Takeaways

• Natural Mode is best for fuzzy, relevance-based searches
• Boolean Mode enables keyword-level control
• Use "phrase" and * only in Boolean Mode
• Both modes can be tuned via index and config parameters

Real-World Relevance

Essential in content management systems, ecommerce search bars, documentation sites, and search APIs.

FAQ – Natural vs Boolean Mode

Can I use wildcards in natural mode?

No. Only supported in Boolean Mode with the * operator.

Are both modes supported on InnoDB?

Yes. MySQL 5.6+ supports FULLTEXT search on InnoDB.

Can I combine LIKE and FULLTEXT?

Yes, but they are separate conditions. Example:

WHERE MATCH(...) AGAINST('php' IN BOOLEAN MODE) AND title LIKE 'Intro%'

How do I force phrase match?

Use:

AGAINST('"exact phrase"' IN BOOLEAN MODE)

Can I use boolean mode without fulltext index?

No. Fulltext index is required for both modes.