I'm trying to understand the Magento search index, from what I've read the "Like" search type builds no relevance, and as such having that enabled and sorting by relevance is pretty pointless.
System
→ Configuration
→ Catalogue
→ Catalog Search
→ Search Type
I read this post on SO: Magento Search 'relevance' Value is Always 0
The answer (to which the bounty was awarded) by Vinai mentions some interesting points:
Short answer: the relevance is only used in full text search mode.
The way Magento builds the search index isn't very intuitive, I recommend a look at the table catalogsearch_fulltext. Then tune the attributes you want to use in the search by adjusting the Used in Quick Search property for them. This setting can be found under Catalog > Attributes > Manage Attributes. Then reindex the catalog search index. I also recommend clearing out the catalogsearch_result table after you adjust the attributes.
ColinM comments:
After you truncate catalogsearch_result you need to also UPDATE catalogsearch_query SET is_processed=0 to force queries to be re-evaluated or else you get blank results
My questions are as follows:
- Is it safe to truncate the
catalogsearch_*
tables (fulltext,query & result) - Does the
Combine (Like and Fulltext)
catalog search type utilize the relevance index?
Any input would be much appreciated.