Context-Specific Search

Context-specific search is different from search using filters.

In previous Maconomy versions it was informally known as CTRL+G because this keyboard shortcut was use to invoke the context- specific search. It has also been referred to as "foreign key search" which is precise, but does require some explanation.

The best way to explain what it is, is by using an example:

You want to add an employee to a job, so you open the Jobs workspace and select the job. In the Employees panel (in the Home section) you click in the Employee No. column in the Employees table. This creates a new, empty line where you can add the employee.

You can now use context-specific search to find an employee. If you start typing in the Employee No. field, it works almost like the inline search in a filter list: as you are typing (and there is a slight pause in your keystrokes) a search will begin, and the result appear in a drop-down. As you continue typing, the search will become more and more refined. And the drop-down list includes more than just the employee number: it also has a column with the name of the employee. That makes it easier to find and select the correct employee.

Context-specific search searches based on the context (here, the context is an employee as the search is triggered from the Employees No. field.) When it is possible to use context-sensitive search in a field, a small magnifying glass icon appears in the corner of the field.

If you click this icon or enter the CTRL+G keystroke, you open a dialog that makes it possible to search on more fields and in more advanced way: this dialog works just like a filter list.