Setting Up Multi-stage Search

Introduction to Multi-stage Search

Multi-stage search works on the same principle as multi-page forms. It allows you to create a structured search sequence where fields are assigned to different stages, and your search query is built throughout this sequence. However, it also lets you include different content types, for example: in Step 1 a user implements a search engine on categories. In the second step, a search can be implemented on the articles assigned to those categories. In essence, it is a cascading search sequence where the search in step i gives its results to steps i+1, i+2, …, n. This manual shows you how to set up this sort of search functionality.

Quick overview

  • Search with several steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Search in step i gives its results to steps i+1, i+2, …, n
  • This kind of search involves different kind of content types. For example, in step 1 a user implements a search engine on categories. In the second step, a search can be implemented on the articles assigned to those categories.
  • The transmission of results between steps is through identifiers.
  • Step i retrieves identifiers of the previous steps by using “live” plugin stage.
  • You will need to use multiple CCK fields if you want to search different content types
  • To assign fields to a step, click on button [3] and select an option in the second column.

Example: a search of articles assigned to the categories created by a user

  1. Step 1: Create a new List & Search Type. When prompted about which type of content type you are searching for, select "none".
  2. Step 2. Add field “CCK” and field “Category Created By” and set them to the "hidden" variation.
  3. Step 3. Click on button [2] to assign a live plugin “user” to the field “Category Created By”.
  4. Step 4. Click on “Configure”. A light box appears. Fill “id” in the Property input.
  5. Step 5. Click on button [2] to assign value “category” to field CCK. With this configuration, a search engine returns all categories created by a logged user
  6. Step 6. Click on button [3] to assign both fields to the first stage. Select “Exact” as the “Match” operator.
  7. Step 7. Add field “CCK (2)” and select variation “hidden”.
  8. Step 8. Click on button [2] to assign the live value “article”.
  9. Step 9. Click on button [3] to select “Exact” as “Match” operator and make sure to assign “CCK (2)” field to the final stage.
  10. Step 10. Add field “Article Category Id” and select variation “hidden” for it.
  11. Step 11. Click on button [2] to select option “Stage” as a live plugin.
  12. Step 12. Click on button [3] to select “Exact” as “Match” operator and make sure to assign “Article Category Id” field to the final stage.