How To Search Using URL...?
 

Hello,

We just completed upgrade from X-Cart 3.5.14 to 4.0.17 but in the process found that a feature on which we have come to rely is broken.

Under the old 3.5.14 search module we were able to create a search URL like:


and get back all products containing the string "Wind Chimes" in their product name or descriptions regardless of product type and which category they resided in.

Under the improved search module it appears that additional fields will be required in the URL to accomplish this and we have experimented with several different flavors but have only managed to bring up a search form. Some of the attempts look like:


The intent and advantage of setting up these html search strings was that we could use them in pages anywhere on or off the site and bring people directly to the results they were seeking. That way we could list several product "Quick links" so people would be spared a lot of typing in the search boxes.

Can anyone provide the exact list of query string parameters that can be used to accomplish this (and other) searches through use of html links...?

Thanks for your help.

Hello,

Carrie of BCSE has graciously provided this:
http://www.bcsengineering.com/store/catalog/Search_Results_via_a_URL_in_40x__FREE-p-148.html
8)

hooter,

Thanks for the info. I downloaded it and made the adjustments to search.php as indicated in their accompanying text file.

It seems to work okay for some single words against the product title. But for multiple words as in:

http://www.<sitename>.com/store/search.php?search=Wind+Chimes

It produces inconsistent results. I suspect it has something to do with which fields are being searched but have not yet been able to pinpoint what combinations work. I also noted that for each failed search, the search screen is displayed and the option to search additional fields (short description and full descruption) by checking the corresponding boxes becomes available with the search term pre-populated. This yielded better results but then requires other than a single click interaction from the Customer.

Are you aware of a way to ensure that all fields [title, shortdescr, fulldescr] get searched when feed the search term as above?

Thanks again for your help.

-mindful

i think there may be something in custom mods forum about this too