I have also set up a db that has to be searchable - I'm using a mix of FULLTEXT, parametised input & column searching (Oh, the joys of full text..)
The test area is currently in 'debug' mode - so, if you'd like to have a look and see how it returns the search string in different circumstances, it is displaying the search query that it has carried out to create the results.
In my case I have to be able to search for 'parts' in my case accross part-numbers, descriptions, suitable for, sizes etc.
To get some test data to try searches with, the following pages are populated with data.
Ignition and Door Lock Keys, Malleable Iron Fittings, Flexible Rubber Mountings, Oils and Lubricants, Pin Spanners, Stihl TS400, Partner K650/K700, and Dolmar DPC6400.
As you are looking to search accross multiple columns, I'm reckoning you're going to have to 'dip your toe' into FULLTEXT - It's a bit wierd at first, but once you get the hang of the rules it's quite painless :cursing:
If you're going to be using foreign words, then it'll be FULLTEXT searching in BOOLEAN mode.
The MySQL resource on the joys of this can be found at, there is also a comment on how accents interact within the search.
MySQL :: MySQL 5.0 Reference Manual :: 11.8.2 Boolean Full-Text Searches
If you are searching in different languages then you really must build up a stop-list for that language, else your full-text index is going to be BIG !!! The resources are within the above link.
the link to my test area is
© 2009 M.G. Judd Ltd Find Parts You're welcome to have a 'play' with differing searches - if any of the coding it returns looks like it may be of help to you, please feel free to ask !!
Regards,
Phill.
Edited by phillw, 21 October 2009 - 06:16 AM.