Using Special Characters in Search Queries

Cludo’s search solution uses Lucene syntax to provide powerful and flexible query options. This approach allows for advanced features, but it also means that some symbols may not work as expected when included in search queries. If the

How to Ensure Accurate Search Results

If you need to include special characters in your query (e.g., searching for a product code or a name containing a symbol), wrap the query in quotation marks. For example:

Searching for a programming language like C++ → Enter “C++” instead of C++ to ensure the + symbols are treated as part of the term rather than search operators.

For more tips on performing searches that include Lucene queries, please read this article.

Symbols to Avoid in Queries

Certain special characters are reserved for specific functions within the search syntax. Using these symbols without the proper context can lead to errors or unexpected results. Examples include:

• + and -: Used to indicate required or excluded terms.
• * and ?: Wildcard operators for partial matches.
• : and =: Used to specify fields in advanced queries.
• () and []: Used for grouping or range queries.
• !: Used as a logical “not” operator in some contexts.

If you include these symbols in your query unintentionally, the search may not perform as expected.

Best Practices for Search

To get the most accurate results:

• Use simple keywords whenever possible.
• Avoid including unnecessary special characters in your queries.
• If you encounter unexpected results, try using quotation marks around your search term.

By understanding how our search syntax handles special characters, you can ensure a smoother search experience and find the information you need more efficiently.