I just posted this feature request in the AnyType-based Community Forum and I’m not sure whether people see it there or if it’s better to post here. My request is very similar to these existing requests but they were marked as implemented and I have some other ideas and an example, which are not implemented so I’d like to suggest them too.
Advanced Search - Global
What’s the idea? → Advanced global search
Please consider implementing advanced search functionality for the global search. This would enable a user to quickly search across all objects’ content and quickly resurface information on-the-fly.
The CTRL-K sort of global search is simple but very limited in its ability to retrieve precise information (especially as the number of objects increases). It would be fantastic and important to have the ability to perform advanced, ad hoc searches. I’d like the option to write commonly known sorts of search expressions in the global search box. I recommend that this would at the least, include things like the use of
- " quotation marks " for phrase searches,
- boolean operators (AND OR NOT) to improve precision and exclude irrelevant results, and
- truncation/wildcard sorts of operators (*).
- Bonus: It would also be great if it included a simple way to indicate that the search had a property value (e.g. writing something in the expression like tag:XYZ, would require the search to find objects only if they included XYZ in their tag property).
Why is it useful? → To resurface info with efficiency and precision
Often a simple search across all objects retrieves results that are irrelevant. It can be quite difficult to sort through the information needed quickly, which creates an impediment to efficient, useful AnyType information retrieval. Although making a query can accomplish important advanced search needs, it is a slower, multi-step process with more “permanent” ramifications. The separate, query functionality is important but it does not fill the same need that advanced search does.
Who would use this? → Anyone that created a large number of objects
Everyone could use it but it shouldn’t eliminate the simple default search. Advanced search would augment the search functionality whenever a person needs more precision.
Any ideas for how it could work? (optional) → Enable AnyType’s search to recognize typical boolean search expressions.
Obsidian’s search does this really nicely. By default it’s a simple search. However, a user can type a search expression to do an advanced search. Obsidian also provides several useful (but not necessary) options, such as a button for case-sensitivity, a toggle to explain the search expression as it’s typed, and sorting options.
Urgency or Priority?
AnyType functions without advanced search so it’s not urgent but it is extremely important. I would argue that to keep people using AnyType, advanced search is an essential requirement. AnyType’s main value is enabling a user to resurface important information when needed but without advanced search functionality, resurfacing information is a serious problem.