Search type selection shortcuts

Search type selection shortcuts allow the user to enter a one-character or two-character string that directs the free-text search function to return only matches of a particular type. Search types with a corresponding shortcut string include exact match, prefix match, synonym match, and phonetic match. Adding the corresponding shortcut string to the end of a free-text search field entry activates the corresponding search type in the search algorithm.

The next example will contrast the results that the user obtains when not using a search type selection shortcut versus when using one. The user not inputting a search type selection shortcut enters a name such as "john" in the name field. The user then searches on the specified name. The results of this search can include matches of all types.

The search type selection shortcut feature allows the user to add a short string such as "-n" directly to the end of the search string, "john". The search string as modified is "john-n". Adding the shortcut restricts the results of the search. The results only contain matches of the type corresponding to the shortcut. In this case, the results would include only synonyms for "john". They would not include matches of any other type.