# Ride Search Architecture Decision

**Date**: 2025-06-24  
**Status**: Planned  
**Context**: Extending search functionality from parks to rides

## Decision

Implement ride search functionality following the established BaseAutocomplete pattern with these key architectural decisions:

### 1. Pattern Consistency
- **Extend BaseAutocomplete**: Use same authentication-first approach as park search
- **Mirror Structure**: RideAutocomplete + RideSearchForm following ParkAutocomplete pattern
- **HTMX Integration**: Same frontend interaction patterns for consistency

### 2. Relationship Handling
- **Park Context**: Rides belong to parks via ForeignKey, search results must show both
- **Query Optimization**: Use `select_related('park')` for efficient database queries
- **Result Display**: Show "Ride Name - Park Name" format in autocomplete results

### 3. Database Strategy
- **Indexes**: Add database indexes on `Ride.name` and `Ride.park_id`
- **Query Limits**: Limit autocomplete to 10 results for performance
- **Filtering**: Support filtering by park, thrill level, duration

### 4. Frontend Architecture
- **Component Reuse**: Leverage existing search CSS and JavaScript patterns
- **HTMX Endpoints**: `/search/rides/autocomplete/` and `/search/rides/results/`
- **AlpineJS State**: Manage selection state and form interactions

### 5. Testing Strategy
- **Unit Tests**: RideAutocomplete, RideSearchForm, and filter logic
- **Integration Tests**: HTMX responses and authentication requirements
- **Performance Tests**: Large dataset handling and query optimization

## Rationale

This approach ensures:
- **Consistency**: Users get familiar interaction patterns
- **Performance**: Optimized queries and result limiting
- **Maintainability**: Follows established codebase patterns
- **Scalability**: Database indexes and query optimization

## Implementation Files

### Core Components
- `search/mixins.py` - RideAutocomplete class
- `search/forms.py` - RideSearchForm class  
- `search/urls.py` - URL routing for ride endpoints
- `rides/views.py` - RideSearchView with authentication

### Templates
- `search/templates/search/partials/_ride_search.html` - Search form
- `rides/templates/rides/partials/ride_results.html` - Results display

### Tests
- `search/tests/test_autocomplete.py` - RideAutocomplete tests
- `search/tests/test_forms.py` - RideSearchForm tests
- `rides/tests/test_search_view.py` - View and integration tests

## Next Steps

1. Code mode implementation of core components
2. Database migration for indexes
3. Template creation and HTMX integration
4. Comprehensive test suite
5. Performance validation

## Dependencies

- Existing BaseAutocomplete infrastructure
- HTMX and AlpineJS frontend stack
- Django authentication system
- Ride model with park relationship