Improve search functionality

[zilchms]

Use Case

It is frustrating to try and find modules published by a specific publisher as the search does not give a clear way to limit returned results.
This is especially difficult when the publisher has a lot of modules on forge (like Vox Pupuli/Puppet).

Describe the Solution You Would Like

Something similar to Githubs author:bla would be nice or any other way to constrict the shown results and filter by author (or other relevant information). The information is already on forge (every module displays their author in the search), now we just need a way to actually access/use the information and something similar is already possible by filtering by endorsements or features (only in a limited fassion however).

[skarwaperforce]

Hey @zilchms one way to achieve this at this point is to click on the publisher name (attached image)

When clicked, the URL converts to: https://forge.puppet.com/modules/puppet
and the filter application works like any other search, would this solve the use case?

I have thought about adding a query like interface to search, but the issue is that most of the metadata is exposed through filters, I am struggling to find what additional value can be generated. Open to ideas :)

[zilchms]

Hey @skarwaperforce the publisher site is a good start.

The problem starts basically after you are on there. On the left you can indeed filter your application for compatibility etc. And that works like a charm.
However there is just one problem: The textsearch on the left for refine results doesnt work the same as the rest of those filters. It gives you all modules on the forge that match the search (and not only the puppet author ones for example).
I think just implementing the author limitation on the refine results "tab" would already be good enough :) Then you could still search for all modules with the top searchbar, but get your specific author ones with the one on the left

[skarwaperforce]

ahh, I get it now! Thanks @zilchms for the explanation. Will discuss with the team.
Thanks for logging the issue 👍

Keep the feedback coming!!