Search: From SQL LIKE to Full-Text and Beyond
Search sounds simple but is one of the trickiest features to get right. A basic approach works on small data sets, but as your content grows it becomes slow and gives poor results.
Choosing the right search technology for your needs makes the difference between a frustrating box that finds nothing and a fast, forgiving tool your users love.
Why Basic Search Falls Short
A simple database LIKE match cannot handle typos, word stems or relevance ranking, and it slows to a crawl over large tables. It is fine for a short list, no more.
Smarter Options
- Full-text search ranks results by relevance.
- Dedicated engines handle typos and synonyms.
- Filters and facets help users narrow results fast.
Matching the Tool to the Need
There is no point running a heavyweight search engine for a few hundred records, nor relying on a basic match for a catalogue of millions. We pick the approach that fits the size and shape of your data today, while keeping room to upgrade as your content grows. Good search is often the difference between a customer finding a product and giving up.
| Approach | Good for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| SQL LIKE | Tiny data sets | Slow, no ranking |
| Full-text | Medium content | Setup required |
| Search engine | Large, complex search | Extra service to run |
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.