is a full featured phonetic search algorithm neccessary?

Question

Hello together,

i need some decision help today :-)

• interface A) an input field where the user can type his search parameters.

• interface B) next step he will come to some mask, where he can refine his search.

if he enters some defined words (there are about 10) in A the corresponding checkboxes in B should be be checked. Next to these Words he can enter other stuff, which will be found after step B is submitted

1. the interface A should help the user via auto-complete function for those few words
2. if the user does not care about the suggested words and still spells my keywords wrong, the system should find them although.

sounds after phonetic search for me, but is it necessary to implement a full featured algorithm for 10 Words, that could be found?

is there an admitted easier/faster/lightweight way to do this?

thanks in advice

Answer 1

You could store a list of possible/common misspelling for each - much simpler.

For simple misspelling (letter switching, etc.) - a simple distance measuring heuristic would also be a good idea.

Answer 2

I think that you could use double metaphone. It is used by some spelling checkers.

Might be exactly what you are looking for.