>>Not sure what pattern is.

Pattern replace unknown leter(s) sumbols are „%” multiple letters, „_” single letter

e.g.

‘Ne%flix’ will find Neflix, Netflix, Netxxxxflix ….

>>I prefer the word LIKE.  Is easier to avoid errors vs. using '='.  Are there advantages to using '='?

If you use like with param Firebird cannot use index on field firstName or e.g. expression index Upper(firstName)

As your param have unknown value. It can be ‘Netflix’ or ‘%Netflix’, or whatever

But if you use „=” it simply can use index if such exists.

Regards,

Karol Bieniaszewski.