Better Search v3.3: A Major Release with Code Rewrite, New Dashboard, and More
It’s official, folks! After months of meticulous coding and tireless testing, I’m thrilled to announce the release of Better Search v3.3.0. This isn’t just a collection of new features and bug fixes; it’s a complete overhaul of the codebase. Without further ado, let’s dive into the exciting features, enhancements, and bug fixes that come with this major release.
Code Refinement: Embracing Classes
The latest version of the plugin includes a complete rewrite of the codebase, which features autoloading, classes, and namespaces. This revamp has made the code more resilient and efficient, resulting in a smoother experience for users and developers.
I have implemented this change across several of my recent plugin releases, and the code for all WebberZone plugins will eventually look similar, which will make development faster by reusing libraries.
New Database Structure
The biggest change in version 3.3 is the change to the structure of the tables in which Better Search stores the data. This structure change is needed as I’ve now optimised the queries that track the searches cutting down from 4 queries to 2.
Given the complexity of the changes, you will need to upgrade the databases manually on your site. Once you install the latest update, the plugin will display a message asking you to upgrade the database. Follow the screens and you should be good to go. Multisite admins can do this across the network of sites. The below video shows the update on my multisite test install.
The plugin will also create backup tables of the old structure and data should anything go wrong. I highly recommend backing up your website before performing the upgrade.
New Admin Dashboard: Insightful Search Analytics at Your Fingertips
One of the standout features in Better Search v3.3.0 is the brand-new Admin Dashboard. No more flying blind! The brand new admin dashboard in v3.3.0 gives you instant insights into your site’s search behaviour. At a glance, you’ll see the number of searches performed, along with the top searches for the day, week, month, and even all time. This invaluable data lets you understand what your visitors are looking for and tailor your content accordingly.
If you’re an existing user, your dashboard will be populated with the search data that has been tracked so far.
Enhancements Under the Hood: Smoother, Faster, Better
Better Search Tracker without jQuery
I have revamped the tracker in Better Search to eliminate its reliance on jQuery. This enhancement not only reduces the plugin’s dependencies but also contributes to a faster and more streamlined user experience. Enjoy improved performance without sacrificing functionality. Note that the admin area continues to use jQuery but you don’t need it in the front end of your site.
Blank Searches = No results
In response to user feedback, we’ve addressed the issue of blank searches returning results. With Better Search v3.3.0, such searches will now return no results, providing a more accurate and relevant search experience for your users.
Multisite Optimization: Uninstall with Ease
For users on multisite installations, uninstalling Better Search is smoother. Behind the scenes, the plugin now utilises get_sites(), instead of custom SQL queries, to delete itself from all sites, ensuring a clean and efficient uninstall process. We’re all about making your WordPress experience hassle-free!
Squashing Bugs
Of course, no update is complete without addressing those pesky bugs. Better Search v3.3.0 tackles a critical issue with banned search filtering. In some cases, it didn’t work as expected, particularly when you tried to block entire words or stop searches from taking place. Now, you can rest assured that your search results are exactly as you intended them to be.
Upgrade Now and Transform Your Search Experience!
With Better Search v3.3.0, we’re not just releasing an update; we’re unveiling a new era of search optimisation for WordPress users. Upgrade now to enjoy the benefits of the rewritten codebase, a feature-rich Admin Dashboard, and several other enhancements and bug fixes that make your search experience unparalleled.
Your feedback is crucial to us, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on this release. Happy searching!
