Hey,
I just thought I'd let you guys know what I've been doing so you don't think I'm just lazy. I've been trying to get three-letter search phrases to work, but I've found out some bad information.

The three-letter search phrase is a limitation of MySQL(the site's database software) itself, and not Invision Power Board.

From this link, I found the following:


So the options are as follows:

Convince my host to change this value to three. This probably won't happen, as it'd be a huge performance hit on their servers.

Convert to manual searching. This method is slower, and doesn't work very well on large boards? Remember how bad the search got before the forum upgrade? That was because of manual searching with our large database. I just tried it out, and a search for "+Celica" didn't even return any results. So this really isn't an option.

Buy a dedicated server, and configure MySQL myself. There are huge costs associated with this option though. Probably anywhere from $140-200 per month, and I just can't justify that for a website like this, seeing as how managed shared hosting works fine now except for a couple configuration issues.

So I think we're pretty much stuck without three-letter search phrases. >>

Thanks for checking Coom. I think you should persue option 1 by asking the host to try it on a trial basis - if it significantly affects performance, they could go back to the old way. We probably only have 50 regular users here so its not like 6gc is going to bring down the whole server by having 3 letter search words.

So everyone on your shared server would have the ability of 3 character searches? If so then they probably won't even consider it since many users are probably sharing that same server. If not maybe they will enable it just for you. You have a bandwidth limit or charged by bandwidth so I don't see why they wouldn't. It'd just mean more money for them if you happen to go over your limit or need additional bandwidth. It won't hurt to ask anyway. I'm constantly needing to find three letter phrases and since most people aren't going to type out anti-lock braking system, exhaust gas recurculation, vacuum switching valve, turbo pressure sensor, etc. etc., It is quite frustrating. I usually end up searching by the person I remember posting the information and then go back to the aproximate date that I remember and sift through those. Anyway I'm just rambling now. We all really appreciate what your doing and the three letter limit is the only thing I don't like about the forums. Good luck and thanks for giving us such a great site!

Are there any options through 3rd party searches? ie. Google?

Some sites have a Google search option which basically just runs through their entire site map. Not sure if there are options to search every post and thread, but that would certainly be nice to have 3 char searches.

Keep Trying!

Thanks Coomer

-erics1one+Feb 1, 2005 - 11:11 AM

that works pretty well actually!

how about adding a google search option in the search page. I know it won't work for the newer posts but that'd be nice for the older ones.

This post has been edited by WannabeGT4: Feb 1, 2005 - 1:09 PM

Eh, I don't really want to get Google involved with the site's searching yet, as I'm not a fan of pages that display results externally. I don't think it looks that professional. I'm going to see what my host says first.

And WannabeGT4, it's not an issue of bandwidth with my host, but rather an issue of hardware memory/CPU usage due to increased load on the server from the MySQL database software.

-Coomer+Feb 1, 2005 - 3:07 PM

Yeah forgot about that. If you can't get it to work then maybe a radio button for google and one for 6gc.net right next to the search button would be less obtrusive.

well thanx bro for trying.

Just to let you know, it is kind of a pain to not be able to search 3 letter words, but I'm more than happy with the way things are now. 4 is fine, you just have to type in the right 4.

You can only do as much as the software permits >> Thanks for tryin man!

Coomer, no one searches anyways...

of course im 1/2 kidding, i know there's many that do, and it is aggrivating not being able to put 3letters in, but hey...search more broad and then click int he topics, go to Edit, Find...type in what u really want, and see if the topic found is what you really wanted.

One thing that I've found helpful, is the "Find in this page" feature in the browsers. Works best if you're trying to find something in the Title.

Just search something broad and related found in the Message Section, then go through the pages searching your 3 letter phrase with the browser feature. When that 3 letter phrase shows up in a title, the browser will scroll right to it.

I guess its kinda complicated for some people, but it works.

Thanks for all the work Coomer... I think its fine... I just try to use 4 letter words or more when searching... fine for me >>

Keep up the good work