Form Search

The generic search form is an easy to use screen that allows users to quickly find the data they need.

The first row is a criteria row where the user can specify the information they are looking for. Initially all records are shown in the table beneath the criteria row. As the user enters criteria on the top row, the data in the table below is automatically filtered and only matching results are shown.

formsearch_screen

Once the user starts to type, the data below is filtered. For text fields the search type is assumed to be 'Like' and the wildcard character is assumed at the end of the search term. For example, when the users enters 'c' into the First Name search box, only records where the clients first name starts with the letter 'c' are shown:

Because the results are instant (the filter is applied once the user has not pressed a key for more than half a second) the user can see straight away if any records matched. If there were no clients whose first name began with the letter 'c' this would be immediately obvious and the user could start a different filter.

The length of the scroll bar gives an indication of how many records have been returned and it is easy to add a count of the number of records returned to the screen so the user can see how many records match. If the user is looking for a specific record this can help them decide whether to scroll through the matches to find the record they are looking for, or to enter more criteria.

When searching on numeric and date fields you can use operators such as '<' and '>='.

formsearch_enterdate

You can also use the * and ? wildcards with text searches as shown below - in this case the Ethnicity has been filtered with '*carib' so only records where the ethnicity contains the string 'carib' are returned (a '*' is always assumed at the end of a text filter).

formsearch_enterlike

You can also use '<>' as a not operator and combine it with wildcards in text searches. Below the Ethnicity filter has been used to exclude records where the ethnicity contains the text 'carib'.

formsearch_multiplecriteria

Availability and Pricing

I am currently working on a downloadable demo version of this tool, so please check back soon. Currently the developer must enter the captions for the fields, specify the widths of the columns and 'tie' each column to the relevant field of the underlying query. As such, the source code and notes are currently offered for £10 (payable via paypal).

I plan to develop a design time tool to make it much quicker and easier to design each search screen. This code will be offered for £50 when available.