custimizable search engine... that spits out valid code

[bradyj]

I've seen quite a bit of search engines just about everywhere -- and I love the idea of a simple, php/mysql one... but all of them spit out horrid code. Does anyone have one where I can customize the code results to output properly?

[brothercake]

I use Atomz for my site search - it works fantastically well and the results template is completely customisable - but the service is not free. I think I pay $250 a year or something like that.

But if that's not an option, I'd suggest going for the package that has the features you want, then write a wrapper to manage the output.

[bradyj]

Yeah, the company wants something they can pay once and that's it -- and, if anything, is cheaper than that. I'll have to keep hunting...

[mindlessLemming]

I ran into this last year and never found anything with a better quality:price ratio than Atomz :(
I ended up just writing a nasty SQL search engine for mindlesslemming.com. It's dodgy, but it does the job. The other option is to use a CMS that has search from the outset. I'm assuming this is for B.E.D? Email/pm/IM me about what you're planning for the CMS and I'll brainstorm on it with you :)

[brothercake]

Write a wrapper mate, I'm telling you ...

Forget about semantics and good code for now - just find the one that works well and has the features you want. Then write an intermediary script that queries that for data, and you'll be able to format the output however you like :)

[bradyj]

Write a wrapper mate, I'm telling you ...

Forget about semantics and good code for now - just find the one that works well and has the features you want. Then write an intermediary script that queries that for data, and you'll be able to format the output however you like :)

Eh, I think you've put me on the right track -- thanks brothercake! :thumbsup: