I know that search operates on data stored in the database, witch are all the data pertaining to each page (Title, names in the credits, etc).
Why is it that invoking a search returns results but in no particular order, either chronological or alphabetical.
Is it possible to use either alphabetical or chronological sorting in Search?
https://www.pideja.ca/backlight/search/?q=%22LORRAINE+PINTAL%22
Hi @Pideja. Backlight’s search uses an algorithm to determine the order of relevance (for example, an item that matches the search terms across more metadata will appear higher than one that doesn’t). Backlight 6 introduced options to override this with a variety of options:
I initially assumed that the search results would be returned in a predictable and organized manner. However, this database is actually a photo archive focused on theater productions. Each gallery corresponds to a specific stage production and includes photos of the performance, as well as a list of credits—such as the production’s name, the author, the director, and the date the show was presented.
For example, I expected that searching for “LORRAINE PINTAL” would return all the plays she directed, ideally sorted chronologically or at least grouped by production house or theater. Unfortunately, the current system does not seem to provide this level of organization.
Would upgrading to Backlight 6 improve the search functionality and deliver these kinds of structured results?
https://www.pideja.ca/backlight/search/?q=%22LORRAINE+PINTAL%22
Hi @Pideja, Backlight’s search is based on relevance. This is common and expected behaviour for searches.
As above, I’ve shown that Backlight 6 has introduced further options for each of the sections (Albums, Photos, Blogs and Posts). These sort on specific fields similar to how you can set sorting for photos within albums and albums within album sets). Backlight is not aware of or able to order by deeper levels of structure such as by theatre or production unless those values exist in one of the sortable fields that Backlight uses.
So, Backlight 6 might help optimize my search. Are there other major upgrades from Backlight 5?
Also, I have the Backlight 5 add-ons: Client Response and Theater. Should I upgrade these also?
If you upgrade to BL6, all your add-ons come along for the ride.
The list of upgrades in Backlight 6 can be found here: Backlight 6 is now available - The Turning Gate.
