Working with Search Suggest in InSite Search for Ingeniux CMS

The Search Suggest feature in Ingeniux CMS is a powerful tool that enhances user search experience by offering alternative suggestions for search queries. When configured, the Spellchecker component of Search Suggest provides users with alternative search terms if their initial search does not yield the desired results. These suggestions are derived from multiple sources, including a word list file, CMS taxonomy categories, and content index terms. This functionality is similar to the autocomplete or "Did you mean?" features seen in many search engines, helping users refine their search terms and find relevant content more efficiently.

Key Features of Search Suggest in Ingeniux CMS

Real-Time Suggestions

As users type their queries, Search Suggest provides real-time suggestions based on content indexed in the CMS. These suggestions can help users quickly narrow down their search terms and find what they are looking for.

Spellchecker Integration

The Search Suggest feature includes a spellchecker component that offers alternative suggestions for misspelled or incomplete queries. These alternatives are derived from a combination of sources, including:

• A word list file.
• CMS taxonomy categories.
• Content index terms.

Customization

The Search Suggest feature is configured by editing the Search.config file, which controls various InSite Search settings. This file allows you to define the location of index files, adjust the spellcheck dictionary, and manage other search-related configurations.

Integration with Content Index

Search Suggest queries the main content index, which is maintained by the Ingeniux CMS. This index is typically stored in a Lucene-based index file, which is referenced in the Search.config file.

Configuring Search Suggest

To enable and configure Search Suggest in Ingeniux CMS, administrators need to modify the Search.config file, which contains various settings related to the search functionality. This file allows you to:

1. Set the Index Location:
   The indexLocation attribute within the <Search> element points to the folder where the Lucene index is stored.
2. Enable Indexing:
   The indexingEnabled attribute should be set to true to ensure that the content is indexed and available for search suggestions.
3. Add Spellchecker Source:
   The Search.config file should include an <add> element within the <IndexingSources> section to define the spellchecker source for Search Suggest. This element points to the SpellcheckerSource.config file, which contains the dictionary used for generating search suggestions.

Example configuration xml:

<add name="SpellCheckDictionary" type="Ingeniux.Search.SpellCheckerSearchDocumentSource" settingsFile="App_Data\spellcheckerSource.config"/>

Benefits of Search Suggest

• Improved User Experience: By offering suggestions and correcting typos in real-time, users can more easily find the content they need.
• Increased Search Accuracy: The integration of taxonomy categories and content index terms ensures that users receive relevant suggestions that align with the site's content structure.
• Ease of Configuration: Administrators can easily manage and customize the Search Suggest feature through the Search.config file, allowing for flexible adjustments based on the site’s needs.

Search Suggest in Ingeniux CMS is a valuable tool for enhancing the search functionality of your website. By providing real-time suggestions and correcting potential errors in user queries, this feature helps users find the information they need more efficiently, leading to a better overall user experience.