thrillwiki_django_no_react/memory-bank/features/ride-search-improvements.md

Ride Search HTMX Improvements

Implementation Status: ✅ COMPLETED AND VERIFIED

Current Implementation

1. Smart Search (Implemented)

• Split search terms for flexible matching (e.g. "steel dragon" matches "Steel Dragon 2000")
• Searches across multiple fields:
  • Ride name
  • Park name
  • Description
• Uses Django Q objects for complex queries
• Real-time HTMX-powered updates

2. Search Suggestions (Implemented)

• Real-time suggestions with 200ms delay
• Three types of suggestions:
  • Common matching ride names (with count)
  • Matching parks (with location)
  • Matching categories (with ride count)
• Styled dropdown with icons and hover states
• Keyboard navigation support

3. Quick Filters (Implemented)

• Category filters from CATEGORY_CHOICES
• Operating status filter
• All filters use HTMX for instant updates
• Maintains search context when filtering
• Visual active state on selected filter

4. Active Filter Tags (Implemented)

• Shows currently active filters:
  • Search terms
  • Selected category
  • Operating status
• One-click removal via HTMX
• Updates URL for bookmarking/sharing

5. Visual Feedback (Implemented)

• Loading spinner during HTMX requests
• Clear visual states for filter buttons
• Real-time feedback on search/filter actions
• Dark mode compatible styling

Technical Details

View Implementation

def get_queryset(self):
    """Get filtered rides based on search and filters"""
    queryset = Ride.objects.all().select_related(
        'park',
        'ride_model',
        'ride_model__manufacturer'
    ).prefetch_related('photos')

    # Search term handling
    search = self.request.GET.get('q', '').strip()
    if search:
        # Split search terms for more flexible matching
        search_terms = search.split()
        search_query = Q()
        
        for term in search_terms:
            term_query = Q(
                name__icontains=term
            ) | Q(
                park__name__icontains=term
            ) | Q(
                description__icontains=term
            )
            search_query &= term_query
        
        queryset = queryset.filter(search_query)

    # Category filter
    category = self.request.GET.get('category')
    if category and category != 'all':
        queryset = queryset.filter(category=category)

    # Operating status filter
    if self.request.GET.get('operating') == 'true':
        queryset = queryset.filter(status='operating')

    return queryset

Template Structure

• ride_list.html: Main template with search and filters
• search_suggestions.html: Dropdown suggestion UI
• ride_list_results.html: Results grid (HTMX target)

Key Fixes Applied

1. Template Path Resolution

   • CRITICAL FIX: Resolved template inheritance confusion
   • Removed duplicate base.html templates
   • Moved template to correct location: templates/base/base.html
   • All templates now correctly extend "base/base.html"
   • Template loading order matches Django's settings

2. URL Resolution

   • Replaced all relative "." URLs with explicit URLs using {% url %}
   • Example: hx-get="{% url 'rides:global_ride_list' %}"
   • Prevents conflicts with global search in base template

3. HTMX Configuration

   • All HTMX triggers properly configured
   • Fixed grid layout persistence:
     • Removed duplicate grid classes from parent template
     • Grid classes now only in partial template
     • Prevents layout breaking during HTMX updates
   • Proper event delegation for dynamic content

Verification Points

1. ✅ Search updates in real-time
2. ✅ Filters work independently and combined
3. ✅ Suggestions appear as you type
4. ✅ Loading states show during requests
5. ✅ Dark mode properly supported
6. ✅ URL state maintained for sharing
7. ✅ No conflicts with global search
8. ✅ All templates resolve correctly

Future Considerations

1. Consider caching frequent searches
2. Monitor performance with large datasets
3. Add analytics for most used filters
4. Consider adding saved searches feature