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7.8

Need assistance with optimizing/customizing search functionality within OsCommerce

Asked by IDEASDesign in PHP Scripting Language, MySQL Server, Search Engines

Tags: PHP, http://www.spot4ink.com, oscommerce, mysql, oscommerce

Good afternoon.  I need to somehow re-vamp the search functionality within an OsCommerce storefront so that it's more efficient. The store sells printer ink for various manufacturers, and the client feels that the search algorithm needs to somehow be updated/customized so that the search results are more narrowed down and specific.  Here's an example:

http://www.spot4ink.com  
(search box is in upper right and in lefthand sidebar)

If you do a search for "HP26" --- the specific HP26 product is returned and nothing else. If, on the other hand, you search for "HP 26" (include a space) -- the HP26 product isn't even included as part of the search results -- even though the "HP 26" string is part of the product name.  (instead, it just returns a bunch od products that include "26" in the name or description.

http://spot4ink.com/advanced_search_result.php?mode_cat=1&keywords=hp26&x=15&y=14

Something seems terribly off about this, and I need to find a way to somehow correct or improve the algorithm.  Can anyone think of any reason as to why the search functionality is so crippled like this?  

Is this a known issue with older versions of oscommerce (I'm uncertain as to which version we're running - how can I check?)  And has it been corrected or improved in later versions?

Is there some kind of search contribution/add on that we could install that would remedy this issue?  Or am I going to need to revise the query somehow?  And if I do need to revise the query -- any suggestions  as to how I should go about it?

Thanks!
- Yvan


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[+][-]02/25/08 12:05 PM, ID: 20978687Accepted Solution

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About this solution

Zones: PHP Scripting Language, MySQL Server, Search Engines
Tags: PHP, http://www.spot4ink.com, oscommerce, mysql, oscommerce
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Solution Provided By: Squinky
Participating Experts: 4
Solution Grade: A
 
[+][-]02/26/08 03:12 AM, ID: 20983151Assisted Solution

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