Search with multi extrafields

[pipelin +]

Hi,

I would like to ask which is the best way to build a search function with a lot of extra fields. I use a Custom Categories Module for my category Cars and I don't have subcategories. I want use a a search like show in the attachment.

Thank you for your help.

[seymourjames +]

You can modify your css style sheet relating to the search.tpl file in your template folder to make the type of form you want for search.php. There are lots of examples on the internet on what you can do and how you would do it.

You will also need to think carefully about how you set up your extra fields (what type of format).

[pipelin +]

Originally Posted by seymourjames

You can modify your css style sheet relating to the search.tpl file in your template folder to make the type of form you want for search.php. There are lots of examples on the internet on what you can do and how you would do it.

You will also need to think carefully about how you set up your extra fields (what type of format).

Hi seymourjames,

Thanks for you quick response, I like that.

Can you give me a little advice about what type of format and how set up those extrafield.

Thanks.

[seymourjames +]

How long is a piece of string as they say. The best thing to do is place your extrafields on and then start to style the form. Use Firefox and the free Web developer plugin; You can then experiment very quickly without changing the actual css file (you can do it in the browser itself to see how it looks). It also allows you to outline you css elements on the page making it quick to identify them.

[pipelin +]

I am sorry seymourjames, I don't get that. Can you give more details, please?

[seymourjames +]

Your question is so wide that there are just too many possibilities to begin with any detailed assistance. Basically, you need to be familiar with css, smarty and xhtml if you wish to start reformatting the default search page. You don't need to be an expert but you need to have some skill. In other words, modify the code. Start by getting it all set up in the default style. Then start to change the look of it by modifying the css, etc.

[pipelin +]

I'm not sure how call the extrafields. Do you think this way can work:

$row['extrafield2'] = $this->getExtraField($row['id'], 2);

$row['extrafield6'] = $this->getExtraField($row['id'], 6);

[pipelin +]

Because I have Parents drop down list and child drop down list I don't sure how call the extrafilds. I found this code in the forum:

{foreach from=$extrafields item=extras}
{if $extras.fID==4}
{foreach key=key item=item from=$extras.value}
{assign var="name" value="$item"}
{/foreach}
{/if}
{/foreach}

I already reed the manual and all about extrafields, but I don't get know how call the extrafields.

I appreciate some help.

[seymourjames +]

Still not sure what you are really trying to do but there is a plugin for retrieving extrafields in your plugins directory. Generally, search works by selecting a category and then ajax is used to display the extrafields for that category. The reason is that extrafields can be different for different categories.

[pipelin +]

All this only for one category "Cars". How you see in this link http://www.68classifieds.com/forums/...screenshot.png, the category is already selected. Is like yahoo autos style Used Cars For Sale In Canton, GA - Yahoo! Autos. The reason, I don't want to do a deep of subcategories in this category.
I already checked the plugin, but I'm not sure if is only to display the information.