Classified Search engine issue

Mink Islander · 03-09-2005, 07:54 AM

I've noticed that the search engine has an issue with partial strings. Best example is to do a search on "snowmobiles" (plural) -- you get one set of listings. Do a search on "snowmobile" (singular) and you get entirely different listings. No overlap. I would have expected the latter to capture both groups.

webmaster · 03-10-2005, 12:18 AM

The search feature of the Classifieds is pretty basic as is the whole system. It uses a text file for a database and simple cgi scripts to drive it.

Like with most features of the site, I didn't write the software and have a limited ability to make major modifications. The companies that write it sometimes release updates that fix or improve features and I do install them when I have the chance.

There is a new more powerful SQL database version (like the Forum and PhotoPost) now available that probably has a better search feature but the old software works so well for this site I haven't seen a reason to change. I'm going to look at the new version again and may do some testing to learn more.

Don

Mink Islander · 03-16-2005, 01:56 PM

You do so much for everyone, thanks! I just wanted to make sure you were aware there was this glitch. Thanks again.

03-09-2005, 07:54 AM	#1
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Classified Search engine issue I've noticed that the search engine has an issue with partial strings. Best example is to do a search on "snowmobiles" (plural) -- you get one set of listings. Do a search on "snowmobile" (singular) and you get entirely different listings. No overlap. I would have expected the latter to capture both groups.

03-16-2005, 01:56 PM	#3
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Thanks You do so much for everyone, thanks! I just wanted to make sure you were aware there was this glitch. Thanks again.

03-10-2005, 12:18 AM	#2
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,445 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 454 Thanked 3,778 Times in 834 Posts	The search feature of the Classifieds is pretty basic as is the whole system. It uses a text file for a database and simple cgi scripts to drive it. Like with most features of the site, I didn't write the software and have a limited ability to make major modifications. The companies that write it sometimes release updates that fix or improve features and I do install them when I have the chance. There is a new more powerful SQL database version (like the Forum and PhotoPost) now available that probably has a better search feature but the old software works so well for this site I haven't seen a reason to change. I'm going to look at the new version again and may do some testing to learn more. Don