How to highlight searched keywords

[Guest]

I'd like my keyword search results to be highlighted. I have a simple (wildcard) keyword search box on my dynamic pages with results appearing on the same page. The code is:

<%
Dim rs_lostcats__MMColParam
rs_lostcats__MMColParam = "%"
If (Request.Querystring("search") <> "") Then
  rs_lostcats__MMColParam = TRIM(Request.Querystring("search"))
End If
%>

.....and my form code is:  <input name="search" type="text" id="search" value="<%= Request.Querystring("search") %>" />

Can someone help?

[bregent]

You can use VBScript Replace() function to replace the search term with the search term + formatting.

[Guest]

I've researched about that method, but since I don't write script, I'm not sure where or how to apply the Replace() function.  Would I add it to the script I've already got (listed above) or do I need a separate function?  And then would I write a Response.write function for the input field?  Thanks for your help again, I'm so darn close to achieving all I need for now....

[bregent]

>Would I add it to  the script I've already

>got (listed above) or do I need a separate  function?

You would need to add it to the script that outputs the results.

[Guest]

Okay, just getting back to this....  I'm trying different ways of writing this script according to samples I find on the web, but nothing has worked so far. 

Am I on the right track with something like this?

<%

Function Replace(search, “ “, <font color=”red”>” “</font>)

search = (Request.Querystring(“search”))

End Function

%>

....then on the search form field:

<input name="search" type="text" id="search" value="<%Response.Write search (<%= Request.Querystring("search") %>)" />

[bregent]

>Am I on the right track with something  like this?

Uh, no. You need to modify the page that outputs the recordset results, not the page with the user input form. Can you post that page?

[Guest]

It's one in the same:  http://www.petspathhome.com/lostcats_main.asp

[bregent]

OK, I need to see the code to tell you where to modify it.

[Guest]

I knew that! sorry... it's over 400 lines though -- is there a way to attach a .doc or something to my post?

[Guest]

Does any of this pertain or help?  I'm using a sort repeat region DW extension that creates a LOT of code.

<%

Dim rs_lostcats__MMColParam

rs_lostcats__MMColParam = "%"

If (Request.Querystring("search") <> "") Then

  rs_lostcats__MMColParam = TRIM(Request.Querystring("search"))

End If

%>

<%

Dim rs_lostcats__MMColParam2

rs_lostcats__MMColParam2 = "%"

If (Request.Querystring("search") <> "") Then

  rs_lostcats__MMColParam2 = TRIM(Request.Querystring("search"))

End If

%>

<%

Dim rs_lostcats__MMColParam3

rs_lostcats__MMColParam3 = "%"

If (Request.Querystring("search") <> "") Then

  rs_lostcats__MMColParam3 = TRIM(Request.Querystring("search"))

End If

%>

<%

Dim rs_lostcats__MMColParam4

rs_lostcats__MMColParam4 = "%"

If (Request.Querystring("search") <> "") Then

rs_lostcats__MMColParam4 = TRIM(Request.Querystring("search"))

End If

%>

<%

'sort column headers for rs_lostcats

Dim tfm_saveParams, tfm_keepParams, tfm_orderbyURL

tfm_saveParams = "search"

tfm_keepParams = ""

If tfm_order = "ASC" Then

            tfm_order = "DESC"

Else

            tfm_order = "ASC"

End If

If tfm_saveParams <> "" Then

            tfm_params = Split(tfm_saveParams,",")

            For i = 0 to UBound(tfm_params)

                        If Cstr(Request(tfm_params(i))) <> "" Then

                                    tfm_keepParams = tfm_keepParams & LCase(tfm_params(i)) & "=" & Server.URLEncode(Request(tfm_params(i))) & "&"

                        End If

            Next

End If

tfm_orderbyURL = Request.ServerVariables("URL") & "?" & tfm_keepParams & "tfm_order=" & tfm_order & "&tfm_orderby="

%>

[Guest]

I'll try to attach a Word doc with all the code

[bregent]

OK good. In the mean time, why do you have 4 query parameters. There is only one search term, correct?

[Guest]

It appears I can't attach a document to a post.

Earlier when you helped me, we discussed why I have four query parameters for one search term - it's because I get an error message through DW if I only have one.  Illogical, but I figure if four works, fine.

[Guest]

I'll PM the script to you if you'd like.  I don't feel comfortable publicizing it.

[bregent]

> it's because I get an error message through DW if I only have one

OK, you'll really should figure out why that is. Go ahead and send me the file via pm if you can.

[Guest]

I PM'ed the code

[bregent]

Sorry, but that code does not contain the part that sends output to the browser. I need to see that code - that's where you would alter it to add highlighting. Rather than trying to attach it to this thread, save a copy of your pages with a .txt extension, upload and send the url. Make sure you don't have any credentials in that code.

[Guest]

Okay, I'm sorry, I guess I assumed the entire code (minus VBScript) could be viewed via "view source" on the link to my website page I posted earlier.  I'll PM the URL for the .txt file.

[bregent]

Yeah, only the code sent to the client is viewable - any server side scripting is not. I just took a look at the code and will send you a few suggestions.

[Guest]

You're AWESOME!  It's working like a charm.  Since I have four separate parameters for one search, I'll

need to create the same for all.  I know that seems ridiculous, but it's the only way it'll work for me without errors You must love to help people, love animals, or both!  Thank you so much...

[Guest]

One more thing, is there a way to make it case-insensitive? It's displaying records but not highlighting words with capped first letters unless the search is specified capped...

[bregent]

Yes, replace can be made case insensitive.Just change the code to this:

            CatDetails = Replace (CatDetails,rs_lostcats__MMColParam, "<span class=""highlightsearch"">" & rs_lostcats__MMColParam & "</span>", 1, -1, 1 )

Keep in mind that this function replaces what is found with what the user types in. So if the user enters 'FLUFFY' but the contents is 'fluffy', all occurances will be displayed as 'FLUFFY'.

[Guest]

Works great, but yeah, I see what you mean. Is there a fix for that? I'll have to give it some thought and figure out what's more important, I guess, or put a note "case sensitive" under my search box.

[bregent]

The fix would be a more complex function that you would need to build. Thankfully, you already found one as mentioned in your PM. That's exactly how I would have done it.

[Guest]

Knowing I have a fallback in the way you've provided which works fine and is much appreciated, I can try the other method for kicks.  Would these be my correct parameters?

Parameters:

' strText        - string to search in

' strFind        - string to look for

' strBefore      - string to insert before the strFind

' strAfter       - string to insert after the strFind

'

My Parameters:

' strText                  rs_lostcats.Fields.Item("Details").Value

' strFind                  rs_lostcats__MMColParam

' strBefore               <style=”background-color: #FFCC00;”

' strAfter                  </style>