I would suggest looking at what google does. It allows and/or searches in a completely unobstrusive manner. I would use only one search field, with the following algo:
1. split on 'OR' 2. split on words 3. join on words with AND 4. join on words with OR I would definitely search on all fields in your table. In split on words you might want to take into account words in double-quotes. Also I would use LIKE everywhere. Patrick Mike Anderson a écrit : > > Hello All, > > I was wondering how you more seasoned SQL programmers (as it relates to > the User Interface side of things), provide the ability of advanced SQL > Queries to novice users - but in a "easy to use" and "non-threatening" > manner? > > We have an extensive parts database, and the only way to truly search > this thing, is by giving users the ability to perform robust "and", "or" > as well as "and/or" type queries. > > Back in the HTML days, I would simply give the users 4 sets of blanks, > in which they could put in 4 unique sets of search criteria - with "And" > or "Or" in a DropDown box. > > This worked well enough I guess... but for the power-users, who wanted > to perform more advanced queries - with more than 4 search criteria, I > was always in a quandary as to what to do. There is a fine line between > functionality and usability, especially when it comes to Data-Driven > applications that are very "Text Intensive". > > With Flex having the ability to offer such spectacular user interfaces, > I was wondering what techniques I could use NOW, that could offer a > truly powerful user experience - but still *keeping it simple*. > > I would love to hear some input regarding this topic - > > Thanks in advance for all your help, > > Mike > >