creating query result filters with codeigniter

Question

Hi,

Im trying to create a query filter system in codeigniter. Basically, within a particular query, Id like to be able to send a list of values returned by the main query (working with items for sale on different sites, so for instance, price, and website), output them to my sidebar, and then be able to drill down the results via the values in the sidebar. (thefind.com is a great example on what im trying to do).

Ive been trying to wrap my head around exactly how to do this all day, but no luck. If anyone could push me in the right direction it would be much appreciated. P.S. im using DMZ datamapper object oriented code igniter extension library, so I figure that might help to make it easier?

Answer 1

If I understand your question correctly this could be simpler than you think. Think of each filter category and value (ie price, amount) as a key=>value pair you can use in a 'where' clause. If in your first query you select all based on the initial criteria, when a user adds a filter you simply add a 'where' clause based on what they've selected and run the query again. That's what I would do using a db. If in your case you're grabbing data from all over the place why not store the complete data set in a temporary table in your db then run queries on that?