Best approach to implement searchable array of text

[Antonio Calanducci]

Hello,

I am finding the best way to model a fields (for example tags) that could have multiple values (array), and that I would be able to search on one of the array values.
Currently I have found to approaches:
– using a field of type table, but as far as I have found, I cannot search on the values of a table fields (please correct me if I am wrong)
– using a text fields, associated with a multi-value popover. When I select the values, it merges them in a single, comma separated, text fields, but then I cannot make a search on a single value

Imagine for example I want to model a tags field, where the user can input a variabile number of words (and maybe he can choose them from the list of the previous inserted ones with autocompletion), and then later I want to make a search for the records with a given tags
Or an “actors” fields, and a search on all the movies with a given actor

I probably could use a Linked form, but as I know that TapForms use under the hoods Couchbase lite, that natively supports array I am wondering if there is an easier approach

thank you

[Sam Moffatt]

I would set up a tag form and use link to form field with the M:M setting to join it together. Then you can use the tag form to find linked records with that particular tag.

That said I would have expected the saved search system to have worked to pick out an individual tag from a field. Perhaps I misunderstand the requirement there.

Keep in mind whilst it’s built on top of CBL, TF has its own data model on top of it. CBL itself is built on top of SQLite as well, layers on layers!

[Brendan]

Hi Antonio,

One other option is if you need to search for an exact value, put it in double-quotes in the search field.

So if your multi-valued popover powered field has the following values in it:

The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Terminator Salvation

Then to search for Terminator 2: Judgement Day, just put that in double-quotes in the search term:

"Terminator 2: Judgement Day"

Then you’ll get an exact match for that phrase.

But Sam’s suggestion to use the many-to-many Link Type on a Link to Form field is also a good one too. It all depends on how you want the data visualized. A Link to Form field displays the relationship as a table with multiple sub-fields. A Text field with a Pick List just displays the values comma separated within the field (as you’ve discovered).

[Sam Moffatt]

I ended up turning this one into another YouTube video on Link to Form fields that might be helpful as well.

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