Compass Server 3.0 Developer's Guide
[Contents] [Previous] [Next] [Last]
PART 1
Customizing the End User Search Page
Figure P1.1 The End User page
Each time the Compass Server End User page updates, its content changes depending on whether the user is browsing or searching. In general, if the user is browsing a category, the page shows the subcategories in the browsed category. If the user submitted a search query, the page shows the results of the search. The exact appearance of the End User page is ultimately determined by the currently selected user interface template (UI template). The Compass Server has a variety of UI templates that you can use to determine the appearance of the Compass Server End User page. For example you could pick a template that presents a page that only allows the user to do simple searches, or you could pick a template that allows the user to browse through categories in addition to doing simple or advanced searches. As well as using the pre-defined templates, you can create your own templates. The best way to do this is to copy existing templates and modify them to suit your needs. By modifying the templates, you can customize the Compass Server End User page to your exact requirements using HTML or JavaScript. You can make modifications as simple as changing the color of the page's background or as complex as using a completely different format for displaying search results. Each template is made up of a configuration file and a set of pattern files. Each configuration file lists the pattern files that are assembled together to make up the Compass Server End User page. Each pattern file defines the content of a piece, or component, of the page. To customize the page, you need to edit the configuration file and the pattern files. This part contains the following chapters:Chapter 1. Composition of the End User Page
Chapter 2. Templates for the End User Page
Chapter 3. Configuration Files for UI Templates
Chapter 4. Pattern Files for UI Templates
Chapter 5. Opening the End User Page With Query String URLs
Chapter 6. Tutorial: Customizing the End User Page
Chapter 7. Error Message Files
[Contents] [Previous] [Next] [Last]
Last Updated: 02/07/98 20:49:00
Any sample code included above is provided for your use on an "AS IS" basis, under the Netscape License Agreement - Terms of Use