Article ID: 3003

Alternate Search Syntax

When you use TextWorks v10.0 to export a query screen to HTML for use on the Web, a prompt asks whether you want to use Alternate Search Syntax. A query screen that uses this syntax allows the user to enter search terms using a syntax similar to the one used by Google:

• Boolean symbols are not required, and if present, they are ignored
• there is an assumed AND between words typed in a query box
• two words separated by OR (must be upper case) means find either word (or both)
• a series of words within quotes is treated as a phrase search
• exclude a word by immediately preceding it with a hyphen

The ability to perform range searches and proximity searches using standard syntax has been retained. This table illustrates some sample searches using alternate syntax and their equivalent in standard WebPublisher query syntax.

Find more information about this syntax in web_alt_begin.htm, in the Help folder under the WebPublisher PRO installation folder.

Notes:

• Add support for this syntax to an existing query screen by adding the following control:
  
     <input type="hidden" name="SS" value="1">
  
  and by changing the help link to reference web_alt_begin.htm instead of web_begin.htm:
  
     <a href="/dbtw-wpd/help/web_alt_begin.htm">...
  
  
• Note that this syntax can be used only with query boxes (QB0/QF0/QI0 etc.), not with command queries (QY). Queries submitted in XML format, which cannot use query boxes, cannot use this syntax.
• This syntax is available only in WebPublisher. It cannot be used when searching in TextWorks.

This article applies to both DB/Text and Content Server platforms.

Search Again or check the Support Forums