XmlSearchEngine Component version 1.1.0

All global variables were eliminated and bugs removed.
copyright © Joachim Schnier
The use of this component is free, however if you use please link to my site http://can_info_guide.tripod.com/     (Flashspot).
Disclaimer: The developer of this component is not responsible or liable for any damage caused by the use of the component.

INTRODUCTION

The XmlSearchEngine Component is a Flash XML-based search engine designed for CDs or for designers who want to build a script-independent database. In order for the component to work properly, please follow the instructions. If you have problems or find bugs e-mail me.

INSTRUCTIONS

The XMLSearchableDatabase component has several search options, which can be used separately or combined.

• 1. Search using inputtext: If you want to use only this option enter the name of the xml file into the first line "1. xml file" and do not enter any other parameters. In the xml file up to 7 attributes, "subitem1" to "subitem6" and the attribute "name", can be used as shown in the xml example below. Each subitem can have a search categorie, the user can search for. The searchword can be part of the word and can be capital or small letters and will still be recognized. All items will be listed and the user can click on individual items in the listbox. Description will then be shown in the textfield. The user has the capability to further search within the description by entering a searchword or part of it.
• 2. Search using a menu: In addition to search using inputtext, a menu can be offered to narrow a search either with or w/o having to use search attributes. Up to 8 different xml files can be uploaded and each xml file can be further subdivided into 4 categories, which however are related like haircolor black, blond and so on. This is identified as "subsubitem1" to "subsubitem4" in the xml file. To show the user the choices, values for the radiobuttons have to be entered in the property inspector. Values will be the text for the buttons. If you do not want to show buttons do not touch the "defaultValue" text. The user can now choose a subcategorie and press submit to see all the items fitting or further narrow the search selecting a subcategorie or by searching using inputtext.

Up to 4 subcategories can be selected by entering values for subsubitem1 to 4. In the xml file this is an attribute in the childnode with the nodevalue "subsubitem". Another subsearch can be made by using the checkbox. To activate, enter a checkbox value and values for 1. and 2. subsubitem. In the xml file use the attribute "subitem1" and give it a value.

The following node values and attributes other than the xml definition have to be used in the xml file for correctly parsing the file:

• items (required, any term possible.)
• subitem (required, do not change term.)
• subsubitem (required, do not change term.)
• id (required, do not change term, always enter a unique number for each node as shown in the example. The id number can be any number.)
• subsubitem1 - subsubitem4 (optional, do not change term.)
• subitem1 - subitem6 (optional, do not change term.)
• name (required, do not change term.) The name value will be shown in the listbox when items are found.
• myFrame (optional, do not change term.)
• pic (optional, do not change term.)
• myUrl (optional, do not change term.)

An example xml file is shown here:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<items>
    <subitem age="under 30">
        <subsubitem subsubitem1="black">
            <susan id="34" name="Susan" subitem1="french" subitem2="blue" myFrame="frame3" pic="images/susan.jpg">
<p>
<b>Susan Black</b>
<li>age: 21</li>
<li>eye color: dark blue</li>
<li>hair color: black</li>
<li>height: 179 cm</li>
<li>weight: 185 pounds</li>
<li>foreign language: <i>french</i></li>
<a href="susan.html" target="newfile"><u>Web site</u></a>
</p>
</susan>
        </subsubitem>
        <subsubitem subsubitem1="blond">
            <monica id="12" name="Monica" subitem1="german" subitem2="blue" myUrl="monicas.html" pic="images/monica1.jpg">
<p>
<b>Monica Schneider</b>
<li>age: 21</li>
<li>eye color: dark blue</li>
<li>hair color: blond</li>
<li>height: 179 cm</li>
<li>weight: 185 pounds</li>
<li>foreign language: <i>german</i></li>
<a href="monicas.html" target="newfile"><u>Web site</u></a>
</p>
            </monica>
        </subsubitem>
    </subitem>
</items>

MORE FEATURES

• pic attribute: if you have pictures or small movies to show enter the name of pic or movie as shown in the xml example. They will automatically be shown in the right lower corner of the search engine.
• myUrl attribute: if you want the user to lead to a web site there are two ways. Either use the button above the textfield by using the myUrl attribute as in the example or add a link in the description. Any url can be used. Do NOT use the escape function for special characters. To see it working click on models - black - susan.
• myFrame attribute: You can also have frames in your flash movie to which you want the user to lead to by clicking the button above the textfield. Just enter the name of the frame.
• HTML in XML: To have html in your description it is crucial to flank the text with html <p> and </p>. The html tags for text in Flash can then be inserted but make sure there is always an opening and closing tag. Any url can be used. Do NOT use the escape function for special characters. However, this xml file can then not be parsed by a browser but only by Flash.

ADDITIONAL OPTION:

Using actionscript on the main timeline the subsubitem categorie can be changed according to which categorie was selected. Enter the names of the xml files in the component parameter window. When you select any of the susubitems radio buttons, delete "defaultValue" for only the items you select and leave the fields in the component parameter window blank. Similarly you can do this for the checkbox. Then write a script similar to the one below and put in a keyframe on the main timeline. The value for the var instancename.subSearch_1.checked is from 1 to 8 depending on which xml file is selected and how many different files you use. You have to, however, give the instance of the component on stage a name (instancename).

this.onEnterFrame = function(){
    if(instancename.subSearch_1.checked == 1){
        ssItem1 = "enter value A";
        ssItem2 = "enter value B";
        ssItem3 = "enter value C";
        ssItem4 = "enter value D";
        ssItem5 = "enter value";
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio1b.textField.text = ssItem1;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio2b.textField.text = ssItem2;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio3b.textField.text = ssItem3;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio4b.textField.text = ssItem4;
        instancename.subSearch_2.checkingBox._visible = true;
        instancename.subSearch_2.checkingBox.textField.text = ssItem5;
    } else if(instancename.subSearch_1.checked == 2){
        ssItem1 = "enter value E";
        ssItem2 = "enter value F";
        ssItem3 = "enter value G";
        ssItem4 = "enter value H";
        ssItem5 = "defaultValue";
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio1b.textField.text = ssItem1;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio2b.textField.text = ssItem2;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio3b.textField.text = ssItem3;
        instancename.subSearch_2.radio4b.textField.text = ssItem4;
        instancename.subSearch_2.checkingBox._visible = false;				
    }
}

There are two sample files given however without the images. To set up the component for basic testing enter:

• models.xml in the 1. xml file line,
• age under 30 in the Value 1. radiobut,
• models1.xml in the 2. xml file line,
• age over 30 in the Value 2. radiobut,
• blond in the 1. subsubitem line,
• black in the 2. subsubitem line,
• brunette in the 3. subsubitem line,
• brown in the 4. subsubitem line,
• foreign language in the checkbox value line.