Custom Search Engine

by 5 replies
6


Does anyone know how to create a search engine with database like this or does anyone know the software to do this?

Thanks,
Matt
#programming #custom #engine #search
  • If you don't know programming(and don't want to hire someone):

    Try using Yahoo Pipes (Pipes: Rewire the web). You'll need to locate RSS feeds on travel websites(like expedia, hotwire, etc...). You should be able to do some amount of searching like that. You can also get a Google Custom Search box, customize it, and put it on your site. That will search any content you want.



    If you do know programming(or want to hire someone):

    BACKEND:
    You can code the backed with any language: PHP, ASP.NET, Ruby On Rails,etc... all will work. Database is mysql, postgres, or some other free type. Each form entry can be a column in your database table.

    FRONTEND:
    The pictures you attached are standard forms with styling. Look for "form design" tutorials to get ideas on how to make them. It's basically a bunch of images.

    DATA:
    In order to find the data, go to airline websites and look for "API" or "DEVELOPER" links in the footer.
    • [1] reply
    • I don't have a clue about anything programming, I just want someone to create a search engine with the variables I want then create a database I can easily add to.

      I know I've probably over simplified, how much do you reckon that would cost to get someone to do that and make it look good?

  • The first thing we would need to know about is the structure of the data. Do you have a data source where you will be getting this data? This would be a good starting place:
    API Directory - ProgrammableWeb
    Then you can write some code around it. Many of the APIs have code already available, so when you get with a programmer, it should speed development (assuming you have a good programmer).
    • [1] reply
    • Cheers for responding on the SitePoint thread as well, see my response below.
  • Yeah. Learning a new language isn't that bad. If you have a little time on your hands and have the dedication and patience-- I would suggest learning one of the popular languages (PHP, ASP, etc). These langauages are pretty simple and the learning curve is pretty balanced. If you are fetching the content from outside sources you will need to also learn a little about the API you will be using. Many of the APIs now return back XML strings, so there may be a bit of a learning curve needed to learn how to decode them... But now days there are libraries available that do most of the work.

    In addition you are going to have to learn something like MySQL, MSSQL, etc. Like the programming languages, the database syntax is pretty similar. The sky is the limit and everything you need to know is literally a web search away.

    I hope this helps!
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