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Google AJAX Search API

Class Reference

The Google AJAX Search API is a JavaScript API implemented in the following classes.

We've updated this documentation to make use of the AJAX API loader. This loader makes it easier to use multiple Google AJAX APIs on the same page and unifies the namespaces across them. If you don't want to change your code, that's fine -- it won't break and the old namespace will continue to work. We hope you'll choose to transition to the new loader and namespace, as we'll continue to extend it for future AJAX APIs.

Check to show new class name and namespace scheme (e.g. google.search.WebSearch, google.search.LocalSearch, etc.)

Table of Contents

The Search Control

GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl

An instance of GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl represents a single search control on a page. Each search control manages the presentation of the user interface object and the search mechanism for a selected set of searcher objects (objects which implement the GSearch google.search.Search interface).

GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl - Constructor

Constructor Description

GSearchControl()google.search.SearchControl()

Creates a new search control object. The search control object is a container for searchers, objects which implement the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface. The search control object is not operational until is has at least one searcher child. A search control is bound to an html container using the .draw() method. Note that searcher objects may not be added to a search control once its draw() method has been called.

The expected order of operations is:

  • sc = new GSearchControl()google.search.SearchControl();
  • sc.addSearcher();
  • sc.draw();

Once these steps have occurred, the search control is active and ready to begin performing searches.

GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl - Methods

Method Description

.addSearcher(searcher, opt_options?)

This method adds a searcher object to the search control. Once added, the search control will coordinate the activities of the searcher. It will coordinate the execution of searches, handle the related search completion events, provide a location where results are to be rendered, and provide a ui for "keeping" or "clipping" search results.

The method accepts an optional GsearcherOptionsgoogle.search.SearchOptions object which is used to specify various searcher specific options

  • searcher - supplies a searcher object
  • opt_options - if specified, supplies configuration options for this searcher
  • returns - n/a

.draw(element, opt_drawOptions?)

This method is the final step needed to activate a search control object. It may only be called once all searchers have been added into the search control. When called, this method produces the user interface, search result containers for each configured searcher, and finally sets of the various linkages needed to coordinate parallel searches across all of the searchers.

The method requires that the caller supply an html block element, typically a div element which the control draws within. The control operates best when provided with at least 300px of width and will scale reasonably well down to ~250px.

The default user interface style is a linear style where the control inputs are at the top followed by a linear set of stacked results. Optionally, callers may request a tabbed user interface which works well when vertical real estate is at a premium.

  • element - supplies an html block element that acts as a container for the control
  • opt_drawOptions - if specified, supplies a GdrawOptionsgoogle.search.DrawOptions object which can be used to specify linear or tabbed drawing mode. The object can also be used to supply the search control with a text input element that should be used to capture query terms. If unspecified, a linear drawing mode is assumed and the control allocates and manages its own text input element.
  • returns - n/a

.setTimeoutInterval(timeoutInterval)

When an application is providing its own input control and asking the search control to use that, the search control uses an input timer to determine when to execute a search. Each time a user types into the search controls text input area, a countdown timer is initialize. When the timer executes, a search is requested. The time lag between the last keystroke and the initiation of a search is programmed using this API. Note: The default value of the control is GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.TIMEOUT_MEDIUM (about 500ms).

  • timeoutInterval - supplies the value for the timeoutInterval, the amount of time between the last keystroke and the execution of a resulting search. Valid values include:
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.TIMEOUT_SHORT - used to specify a very short delay ~350ms.
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.TIMEOUT_MEDIUM - used to specify a medium delay of ~500ms.
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.TIMEOUT_LONG - used to specify a long delay ~700ms.
  • returns - n/a

.execute(opt_query?)

This method causes the search control to initiate a sequence of parallel searches across all of the searchers configured into the control. If the opt_query argument is supplied, its value is placed within the search controls input text box, and becomes the search expression for the parallel search. Otherwise, the current value of the search control input text box is used. Note: this method allows applications to automate portions of the search control. For example, an application could choose to automatically initiate a search whenever the user hovers over a word or phrase or makes some other application specific gesture.

As a side effect of this call, the current set of search results displayed, as well as the search results stored within each of the controlled searcher objects is cleared.

  • opt_query - supplies an optional search expression used by the ensuing search. If not specified, then the search expression present in the search control's text input box is used.
  • returns - n/a

.setOnKeepCallback(object, method, opt_keepLabel?)

This method is used to inform the search control that the caller would like to be notified when a user has selected for copy, one of the search results managed by the control. If this method is not called, then the user is not offered an opportunity to copy search results. If the method is called, each search result is annotated with a text link, underneath the search result. Clicking on this link will cause the specified method to be called on the specified object, passing in a GResultgoogle.search.Result object associated with the search result. This method allows the caller to specify a built in system defined text label value which invites the user to copy a result, or to specify a label more meaningful to the calling application. When using the system defined labels, the value is automatically translated in the language that the rest of the control is running in.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. For instance, if this method is called as .setOnKeepCallback(foo, MyObject.prototype.myKeephandler), when a user clicks on the keep label, a call to foo.myKeephandler() is called.
  • opt_keepLabel - supplies an optional text label that sits beneath each search result which when clicked triggers a callback into the specified object/method. Valid values include:
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.KEEP_LABEL_SAVE - a label value of "save"
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.KEEP_LABEL_KEEP - a label value of "keep"
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.KEEP_LABEL_INCLUDE - a label value of "include"
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.KEEP_LABEL_COPY - a label value of "copy" (default)
    • GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.KEEP_LABEL_BLANK - a blank label value is used, this works well when all you want is the copy graphic (selectable via css)
    • Any other value - the value passed becomes the label. The caller is responsible for localization.
  • returns - n/a

.setResultSetSize(switchTo)

This method is called to select the number of results returned by each of the searchers. Note, this is not a scalar. It is an enumeration that indicates either a small number of results, or a large number of results. In the future, this method may be enhanced to support medium and extra large result sets. From the sample applications, you have probably seen the more/less twiddle control at the top of the search control. This method is used by that twiddle control.

  • switchTo - supplies en enumeration which indicates the desired number of search results to return for each configured searcher. Valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LARGE_RESULTSET - request a large number of results (typically 8 results)
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SMALL_RESULTSET - request a small number of results (typically 4 results)
  • returns - n/a

.cancelSearch()

This method is used to tell the search control to ignore all incoming search result completions. The internal state used by this method is reset, to allow searches each time a new search is requested. The intended use of this method is to help applications cope with ui flashing that can occur as slow input triggers inadvertent searches. By using this method each time input is sensed, previous searches based on partial input can easily be ignored.

  • returns - n/a

.clearAllResults()

This method is used to clear all of the search results out of the search control.

  • returns - n/a

.setLinkTarget(linkTarget)

This method is called to set the link target used for links embedded in search results. The default value is GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_BLANK which specifies that links will open in a new browser window. When this method is called, a search control wide link target setting is established. This effects all searchers that are currently attached to the search control as well as all searchers that are subsequently added to the control.

  • linkTarget - supplies the target frame that links should open within, valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_BLANK - links will open in a new window, e.g., <A href=... target=_blank ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_SELF - links will open in the same window and frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_self ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_TOP - links will open in the topmost frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_top ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_PARENT - links will open in either the topmost frame, or the replace the current frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_parent ...>
    • anything-else - links will open in the specified frame or window, e.g., <A href=... target=anything-else ...>
  • returns - n/a

.setSearchCompleteCallback(object, method)

This method is used to inform the search control that the caller would like to be notified when a search completes. Note, the granularity of this call is the searcher level, NOT the search control level. What this means is that if your search control contains 5 searchers and you execute a search, as each searcher completes, your callback will be called. Note also, that not all searches will result in completion so be careful not to code deadlocks where you assume that a single completion will occur for each search.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. For instance, if this method is called as .setSearchCompleteCallback(foo, MyObject.prototype.mySearchComplete), when a search completes, a call to foo.mySearchComplete(searchControl, searcher) is called. The first argument of the callback, searchControl supplies the search control, and the second argument searcher supplies the searcher object that just completed a search.
  • returns - n/a

.setSearchStartingCallback(object, method)

This method is used to inform the search control that the caller would like to be notified right before a search begins. Note, the granularity of this call is the searcher level, NOT the search control level. What this means is that if your search control contains 5 searchers and you execute a search, as each searcher is told to begin searching, your method will be called.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. For instance, if this method is called as .setSearchStartingCallback(foo, MyObject.prototype.mySearchStarting), when a search begins, a call to foo.mySearchStarting(searchControl, searcher, query) is called. The first argument of the callback, searchControl supplies the search control, the second argument searcher supplies the searcher that is about to start a search, and the third argument query supplies the query.
  • returns - n/a

.setNoResultsString(str)New!

Normally, when a search produces no results, the search control slot for the searcher is left empty. This method allows the caller to specify a string that supplies a default "result". The system contains a value of GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl.NO_RESULTS_DEFAULT_STRING which you can use. This is a localized string that means "No Results" in all supported locales.

  • str - supplies a string value that is used when a search yields no results..
  • returns - n/a

GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl - Static Methods

Static Method Description

.inlineCurrentStyle(node, opt_deep?)

This utility function is used to clone the current computed style for the specified html node (or tree if opt_deep is specified) and inline the current style into the node. In some instances this function is useful, mainly in conjunction with an on keep handler where the application wishes to preserve a set of html styles while passing a piece of html from one application to another, where the receiving application does not have the associated style sheet. The simplest example of this scenario is in the case of an email application where the email application is using the Google AJAX Search API to allow users to clip search results into a message composition window where they will be emailed as html to another user. The recipient's email application in some cases will have no knowledge of Google AJAX Search API and will therefore not normally carry its style sheet. To account for this, we provide this method so the originating email application can inline the current styles so that the recipient can read the message with full fidelity.

  • node - supplies and html node whose style should be inlined
  • opt_deep - if specified, the inline operation is recursive inlining the styles for the current node and its descendants.
  • returns - n/a

Note: this method is not currently implemented on the Safari web browser.

GSearchControl google.search.SearchControl - Public Properties

This object does not expose any public properties.

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm

Applications that use the GSearchgoogle.search.Search objects in standalone form, rather than under control of the GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl will often have a need to capture and process user-generated search requests. The GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm() object is a light weight object that is designed for exactly this use case. It provides applications with a text input element, a search button, an optional clear button, as well as all standard branding.

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm - Constructor

Constructor Description

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm(enableClear, element)

Creates a new search form object. The search form object supplies user interface elements, methods, properties, and callbacks designed to allow applications to control a collection of GSearchgoogle.search.Search() objects. The user interface and capabilities match whats available to applications using the GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl()) (in fact, the GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl() is internally based on this object.

The expected order of operations is:

  • sf = new GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm(true/false, container);
  • sf.setOnSubmitCallback(object, method);
  • optional - sf.setOnClearCallback(object, method);

Once these steps have occurred, the search form is active and ready to begin receiving and processing user input.

The method accepts a required enableClear argument as well as a required element argument

  • enableClear - when true, the search form should contain a clear button, otherwise, no clear button is created
  • element - supplies the HTML node that should act as a container for this form

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm - Methods

Method Description

.setOnSubmitCallback(object, method)

This method registers an object/method combination that is called when the search form is "submitted". This event occurs when the user clicks on the search button, or when the user hits enter while focused on the text input element. When this occurs, the specified object becomes the active object and the specified method is called. The argument passed to the method is this search form.

A typical method might look like this:

App.prototype.onSubmit = function(form) {
  if (form.input.value) {
    this.localSearcher.execute(form.input.value);
  }
  return false;
}
                

Note in the above example that the search form is passed to the method, and that the method returns false indicating that it has processed the submit event.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. The method is passed a reference to this form and must return false.

.setOnClearCallback(object, method)

This method registers an object/method combination that is called when the clear button in the search form is pressed. It is an error to call this method if the search form was created without a clear button. When this occurs, the specified object becomes the active object and the specified method is called. The argument passed to the method is this search form.

A typical method might look like this:

App.prototype.onClear = function(form) {
  this.myClearFunction();
  return false;
}
                

Note in the above example that the search form is passed to the method, and that the method returns false indicating that it has processed the clear event.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. The method is passed a reference to this form and must return false.

.execute(opt_string?)

This method allows an application to "submit" the form. This involves optionally setting the form's text input element and then calling the registered on-submit callback method established using .setOnSubmitCallback().

  • opt_string - if present, supplies a string value that is placed in the form's text input element prior to invoking the on-submit callback method.
  • returns - n/a

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm - Static Methods

This object does not expose any static methods.

GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm - Public Properties

The following collection of public properties are exposed by the google.search.SearchForm.

Property Description

.input

This property is the text input element for the form. Applications are free to read and write this propertie at will. Typical use is that in an on-submit callback handler, an application will read form.input.value and then process this string, typically by calling .execute() on a searcher under their control.

.userDefinedCell

The search form's internal structure is a pair of HTML tables. The upper table contains the text input element, the localized search button, and an optional clear button. The lower table contains an application specific free cell, the left hand cell in the table, as well as a right aligned set of Google branding inlcuding both text and an image. This property, the .userDefinedCell property is the DOM node of the table cell designed to hold application specific content. An application is free to use this space to deposit information in close proximity to the search form and aligned with the standard Google branding.

Searchers

GSearchgoogle.search.Search

An instance of the GSearchgoogle.search.Search class provides the ability to execute searches and receive results from a specific search service. This object is not directly used; it is a base class which service-specific searchers inherit from. The methods and properties described below apply to all objects that inherit from this base class. Each of those objects may supply additional interfaces as well.

The expected usage of this object is in conjunction with the GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl where the search control provides both user interface and coordination. That said, it is perfectly acceptable for you to use this object independently, but just make sure you are not attempting to share the same instance of a searcher object between your application logic and a search control object.

GSearchgoogle.search.Search - Constructor

Constructor Description

GSearchgoogle.search.Search()

Creates a new searcher object. Note: Since this is a base class, it is unlikely that applications will make direct use of this constructor and instead will use the constructor as a side effect of creating a service specific searcher object (e.g., GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch).

GSearchgoogle.search.Search - Methods

Method Description

.setResultSetSize(indicator)

This method is called to select the number of results returned by this specific searcher. Note, this is not a scalar. It is an enumeration that indicates either a small number of results, or a large number of results. In the future, this method may be enhanced to support medium and extra large result sets.

  • indicator - supplies an enumeration which indicates the desired number of search results to return. Valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LARGE_RESULTSET - request a large number of results (typically 8 results)
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SMALL_RESULTSET - request a small number of results (typically 4 results)
  • returns - n/a

.getResultSetSize()

This method returns the current result set size, the value established by the previous method.

  • returns an enumeration which indicates the current number of search results to return. Valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LARGE_RESULTSET - large number of results (typically 8 results)
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SMALL_RESULTSET - small number of results (typically 4 results)

.clearResults()

Upon successful completion of a search, the searcher object holds on to a collection of search results which describe the outcome of a particular search. This method is used to reset the searcher, clearing out all results. This method is implicitly called prior to the execution of a new search.

  • returns - n/a

.execute(query)

This method is called to begin a new search. The query argument supplies the search term. Upon completion, the object becomes populated with the corresponding set of results, and the registered search completion handler is called.

  • query - supplies the query term used to perform the search
  • returns - n/a

.setSearchCompleteCallback(object, method, opt_arguments?)

This method is used to register and object and method to notify on the completion of a search. Applications may optionally pass in a context argument using opt_arguments which is then passed to the specified method.

  • object - supplies an application level object that defines the context that the specified method will be called in.
  • method - supplies the method to call. For instance, if this method is called as .setSearchCompleteCallback(foo, MyObject.prototype.mySearchCompleteHandler), when a search on this searcher completes, a call to foo.mySearchCompleteHandler(opt_arguments?) is called.
  • returns - n/a

.setUserDefinedLabel(label)

This method is used to set a user defined label that should be used when this searcher is added to a search control. By calling this function, the user defined label specified will be used in the result section header or tab instead of the standard, built in labels. Expected usage is in conjunction with site restricted searching where it is both appropriate and expected that applications will indicate that they have programmed in restrictions by changing the standard label.

  • label - supplies a user defined label that replaces "Web", "Blog", etc. in the results section header.
  • returns - n/a

.setUserDefinedClassSuffix(classSuffix)

This method is used to set a user defined class suffix for the search results section, and for the collection of search results produced by this searcher in the search control. The motivation for this method is to allow applications to set unique styling for the results and header of a particular set of search results. Assuming this method is called with a value of "siteSearch", a class of gsc-resultsRoot-siteSearch will be applied to the DIV element that wraps the header and results associated with this searcher. Note, this is in addition to the generic gsc-resultsRoot class.

  • classSuffix - supplies a user defined class suffix that is appended to gsc-resultsRoot-. This class is added to the DIV element that wraps the header and results associated with this searcher.
  • returns - n/a

.setLinkTarget(linkTarget)

This method is called to set the link target used for links embedded in search results. The default value is GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_BLANK which specifies that links will open in a new browser window. When a searcher is added to a search control, the search control makes an implicit call to this method using the current link target setting for the search control. This means that if your application needs a searcher to operate with a different link target setting than the setting established by the search control, you need to call this method after adding the searcher to the search control.

  • linkTarget - supplies the target frame that links should open within, valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_BLANK - links will open in a new window, e.g., <A href=... target=_blank ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_SELF - links will open in the same window and frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_self ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_TOP - links will open in the topmost frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_top ...>
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.LINK_TARGET_PARENT - links will open in either the topmost frame, or the replace the current frame, e.g., <A href=... target=_parent ...>
    • anything-else - links will open in the specified frame or window, e.g., <A href=... target=anything-else ...>
  • returns - n/a

.setNoHtmlGeneration()

There are times when your application is not using the search control and is only using a small set of properties from a search result and you are displaying these in a highly customized format. When this is the case, a small optimization is available to your application. The searcher can be programmed to NOT generate a .html property leaving you with only the raw properties valid in a result.

  • n/a - no input arguments
  • returns - n/a

.getAttribution()

For some classes of searchers (e.g., GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch()), there is a requirement that attribution be displayed alongside the set of search results. When using the search control this is included in the search control logic "for free". If you are using a raw searcher, caputuring and presenting proper attribution is up to you. This method is designed to provide you with an attribution node (or null if no attribution is required) which you can then display appropriately.

The display of attribution is only required while actively displaying a set of search results immeadiately after a search. The following snippet demonstrates a simple use of this API.

var attribution = GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.getAttribution();
if (attribution) {
  var el = document.getElementById("searchwell");
  el.appendChild(attribution);
}
                

  • n/a - no input arguments
  • returns - non-null : Attribution is required. The return value is an HTML node that should be added to your page somewhere near the current set of search results.
  • returns - null : no attribution is required

.setQueryAddition(term)

This method allows the caller to set (or clear) an optional, additional query term that is appended to all queries flowing through the searcher. Applications will typically use this to the provide alternative results with mild variations from the original search term. For example, assuming a GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch() based searcher, calling this function as search.setQueryAddition("filetype:pdf");, and then executing a query for "google", will result in the following query "google filetpe:pdf". When using this API, we highly recomend using .setUserDefinedLabel() so that you can indicate to your users that their query has been modified. This is the same general advice we give when using .setSiteRestriction(). Please visit our sample for more information.

  • term - supplies an expression that is appended to each query flowing through this searcher (note, you do not need to supply a space). When the value of term is "", the effect of this API is canceled, queries are not modified.
  • returns - n/a

.createResultHtml(result)New!

This method allows the caller to either create, or re-generate the .html property of the specified result. Sometimes this is needed when the caller had previously use .setNoHtmlGeneration(), or when the caller is reloading a result object from its own storage system.

  • result - supplies a result object. It's .html property will be deleted and regenerated as a result of this call. If the result does not contain a .html property, one will be created.
  • returns - n/a

.gotoPage(page)New!

After a search completes, a cursor property may become visible on the searcher option. This is a function of the number of search results available as well as the capabilities of the underlying searcher. If the cursor property is present, then this method allows you to fetch another bundle of search results. Applications specify which page by using the page argument. This value is then used to index the cursor.pages array which ultimately is used to compute the value of the &start url argument.

  • page - supplies the page number of the results that the application wants. This value is range checked relative to the .cursor.pages property and no operation is performed if the page is out of range or if the underlying searcher does not have a cursor property.
  • returns - n/a

GSearchgoogle.search.Search - Static Methods

Static Method Description

.scaleImage(width, height, imageScaler, opt_img)

This method is a static helper function that you can use to proportionally scale an image. You pass in the width and height of the current image, as well as an imageScaler object (containing a .width and .height property) and the function will calculate and return a proportionally scaled imageScaler object. You can then use this object's .height and .width property to build an image element.

Internally, the GvideoSearchgoogle.search.VideoSearch object defines an image scaler which it uses to scale the thumbnails. Its designed to maintain a 4x3 aspect ratio and is defined as follows.

// imageScaling defaults 4x3 100x75 image
this.imageScaler = {width:100,height:75};
                

When building the thumbnail img element, it computes the scaled height and width of the thumbnail image as follows:

// scale the thumbnail image using the searchers .imageScaler.
// By default this is a 4x3 100x75 image,
// but its settable using .setVideoResultsTbHeight as well
var scaled = GSearchgoogle.search.Search.scaleImage(result.tbWidth,
                                result.tbHeight,  this.imageScaler);

// scaled.height and scaled.width now contain
// the values needed to proportionally scale the thumbnail
                

  • width - the original width of the image
  • height - the original height of the image
  • imageScaler - an imageScaler object which specifies in its .height property and its .width property the desired height/width box that the image should fit within.
  • opt_img - supplies and optional img object. If specified, its .height and .width properties are set by this call.
  • returns - an imageScaler object whose .height and .width properties contain the dimensions of the proportionally scaled image

.getBranding(opt_element?, opt_orientation?)

This method is a static helper function that returns a "powered by Google" HTML DOM branding node to your application, and optionally attaches it to your document as the only child of the specified optional element. The purpose of this method is to ensure that your application has a simple way to comply with branding requirements in situations where using wither the search form in the GSearchControlgoogle.search.SearchControl or in the GSearchFormgoogle.search.SearchForm is not appropriate for your application.

The branding node, by default is designed for a horizontal orientation and works well underneath a search form, above or below a collection of results, etc. In some cases, a vertical orientation of the branding is needed. As an example of this, consider a vertically oriented Video Bar. In this case since the branding needs are so narrow, vertical orientation of the branding is needed (see the powered by Google branding at the bottom of the Video Bar). This API by default delivers horizontal orientation, but as an application, you can easily request vertical.

  • opt_element - an optional argument which if supplied, specifies the HTML DOM node that will be populated with a "powered by Google" branding element.
  • opt_orientation - an optional argument which if supplied, specifies the orientation of the branding node. Valid values include:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.HORIZONTAL_BRANDING - request horizontal orientation
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.VERTICAL_BRANDING - request vertical orientation
  • returns - a "powered by Google" HTML DOM node that you are free to attach or clone onto your document.

.setOnLoadCallback(handler)New!

This method is a static helper function that registers the specified handler function to be called once the document containing this call loads. Previous documentation recomended that you use the body element's onload attribute (e.g., <body onload="OnLoad()">. While this is a fine way to go when you are in complete control of the page and all code loaded by the page, this approach can cause problems with some runtimes to destroy your body.onload handler. The setOnLoadCallback() approach does not have these problems and therefore is our recomended way of registiring a callback that calls your code upon document load (a point in time when the AJAX Search APIs are fully loaded and ready for use).

  • handler - a required function that will be called once the containing document is loaded and when the search API is ready for use.
  • returns - n/a

GSearchgoogle.search.Search - Properties

The following collection of public properties are exposed by all objects that implement this interface. Unless otherwise stated, these properties are assumed to be read-only.

Property Description

.results[]

This property contains an array of search result objects, one for each result. Each time a search executes, this property is cleared, and each time a search completes, the array is populated. If there are no results to report, the .length property of this array will be set to 0.

.cursorNew!

This optional property is present once a search completes successfully. It is not present for Local and Blog search since those searchers do not currently support pagination. When present, the property specifies how an application can request additional search results for the current query term, the estimated result count, the current page, and the url that can be used to vector to a search results page hosted at Google. The property has the following structure:

  • .pages[] - supplies an array used by .gotoPage() in order to retrieve a bundle of results. Each entry in the array is an object with the following structure:
    • .start - supplies the value that will be used in the &start url argument to request a bundle of results
    • .label - supplies a text label associated with the entry e.g., "1", "2", "3", or "4"
  • .estimatedResultCount - supplies the estimated number of results that match the current query. Note that this value will not necessarily match the similar value thats visible on the Google.com search properties.
  • .currentPageIndex - supplies the index into the pages array of the current set of results.
  • .moreResultsUrl - supplies a url to a Google hosted search page that contains additional search results.

GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Web Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GwebResult objects.

GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Web Search service.

GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setSiteRestriction(site, opt_refinement, opt_moreResultsTemplateNew!)

This method is used to restrict the set of web search results returned by this searcher. To restrict to www.amazon.com, simply call this method passing in a value of "www.amazon.com". To clear site restrictions, pass in a value of null. The following snippet demonstrates this setting a set restriction to "amazon.com". A more complete sample is available at Site Restrictions Sample.

var siteSearch = new GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch();
siteSearch.setSiteRestriction("amazon.com");
                

This method also allows the caller to restrict searches to a Google Custom Search Engine. Instead of specifying a URL path to this method, pass in the Custom Search Engine ID. The following snippet demonstrates setting a site restriction to a custom search engine whose id is 000455696194071821846:reviews. A more complete sample is available at Custom Search Engine Sample.

var siteSearch = new GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch();
siteSearch.setSiteRestriction("000455696194071821846:reviews");
                

When used in this manner, an optional Custom Search Engine Refinement may be supplied using the opt_refinement. Using this mechanism you are able to site restrict to a subset of your search engine. The value specified in opt_refinement must match a Custom Search Engine Refinement label associated with the specified search engine (see the code snippet below). A more complete sample is available at Curriculum Search Sample.

var cseId = "017576662512468239146:omuauf_lfve";
var siteSearch = new GwebSearchgoogle.search.WebSearch();
siteSearch.setSiteRestriction(cseId, "Lectures");
                

Custom search engines often include a customized search results landing page. In order to support this, when Custom Search Engine site restrictions are in effect, an optional opt_moreResultsTemplate value may be supplied. This specifies a URL template that will be used to generate the "More results" link at the bottom of a set of search results. The URL template must include a placeholder of "__QUERY__" and "__HL__". When generating the "More results" link, the system will replace these placeholders with the current query term and UI language. This sample demonstrates the use of this mechanism for the main, left hand tab: Curriculum Search Sample.

The latest addition to Custom Search Engines is the ability to use Linked Custom Search Engines. In order to support this, the site argument has been extended so that it supports all of the options and modes listed above, in addition to the new anonymous object mode of specifying a site restriction. When the site argument is an object, one of the following properties may be present (listed in priority order meaning that if you supply multiple properties, the first one that we test for, in the order listed below, wins):

  • siteUrl - The search is relative to the supplied url
  • cseId - The search is relative to the supplied custom search engine id e.g., 000455696194071821846:reviews
  • crefUrl - The search is relative to linked custom search engine pointed to by the supplied url. See this sample for details.

When either cseId or crefUrl is specified, an optional Custom Search Engine Refinement may be supplied using the opt_refinement. Using this mechanism you are able to site restrict to a subset of your search engine. The value specified in opt_refinement must match a Custom Search Engine Refinement label associated with the specified search engine (see the code snippet below).

searcher = new GwebSearch();
searcher.setSiteRestriction(
  {
    crefUrl : "http://www.google.com/cse/samples/vegetarian.xml"
  },
  "recipes");
                
  • site - supplies a site restriction setting in the form of a partial url e.g., "www.amazon.com", "google.com", etc., or a custom search engine id e.g., "000455696194071821846:reviews", "000455696194071821846:shopping", etc. Alternatively, this can contain an anonymous object as described above.
  • opt_refinement - when site refers to a Custom Search Engine, the value of this optional argument specifies a Custom Search Engine Refinement
  • opt_moreResultsTemplate - when site refers to a Custom Search Engine, the value of this optional argument specifies a URL template that will be used to construct the "More results" link that appears underneath a set of search results in the search control. The URL template must include a placeholder of "__QUERY__" and "__HL__". When generating the "More results" link, the system will replace these placeholders with the current query term and UI language.
  • returns - n/a

.setRestriction(type, opt_value)New!

This method is used to specify or clear a restriction on the set of results returned by this searcher. In order to establish a restriction, both type and opt_value must be supplied and valid. In order to clear a restriction, supply a valid value for type and either specify null for the value of opt_value, or do not supply this. This API currently supports a single restriction type indicated by a value of GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_SAFESEARCH. When this is specified as the value of type supplying an opt_value of GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_STRICT will filter search results to exclude both explicit text and explicit images (note, this is the default behavior). Supplying an opt_value of GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_MODERATE will filter search results to exclude explicit images, and finally, an opt_value of GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_OFF will result in unfiltered results. The following code snippet demonstrates how to turn safe search filtering off.

var searcher = new GwebSearch();
searcher.setRestriction(GSearch.RESTRICT_SAFESEARCH,
                        GSearch.SAFESEARCH_OFF);
                

  • type - supplies the type of restriction to establish. Currently, the only valid value is GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_SAFESEARCH which is used to establish or clear a type restriction.
  • opt_value - supplies the value for the specified restriction type. If the value is null, then the specified restriction is cleared. Otherwise, the value must be valid relative to the value of type and if so, establishes a restriction. Currently, the only valid values for this are:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_STRICT - apply strict filtering for both explicit text and explicit images (the default behavior)
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_MODERATE - apply filtering for explicit images
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_OFF - do not apply safe search filtering
  • returns - n/a

GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Local Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GlocalResult objects.

This object is designed to produce search results relative to a geographic region. The object provides an API that allows applications to scope this geographic region by supplying a location string (city/state, a zipcode, an address), or by providing a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng() object (see Google Maps), or by providing a GMap2google.maps.Map2() object (see Google Maps). The preferred interface is either a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng() or a GMap2google.maps.Map2(). You may have noticed in the samples the presence of a "set location" control in the stack of local search results. This UI is implemented through coordination between the search control, and this object. The map projected through the search control scopes all search results, and its initial value (center point) is established by programming this object. The search control does not maintain preferences on center point. This is the responsibility of the application using this API.

Note: If no location is specified, this object scopes search results to the San Francisco, CA area. A more elaborate default is certainly being considered, something that takes into account the geographic region of the user.

GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Local Search service.

GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setCenterPoint(location)

This method establishes a center point that is used to scope search results. It accepts a single variant which may be a string, a GMap2google.maps.Map2, or a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng. In the case of a string, an attempt is made to resolve the string into a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng.

  • location - supplies a center point designation used to scope local searches. this argument is a variant and may specify:
    • a GMap2google.maps.Map2 which is noted by the presence of a getCenter() property. When this is the case, the center point of the specified map is captured and then used to scope search results.
    • a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng which is noted by the presence of an x property. When this is the case, the value of this point is captured and used as the center point to scope local searches.
    • a string which specifies an address by name. When this argument is presented, searches are scoped as if the user performed a Google Local Search specifying near location as part of their search expression. Note:, the string location is resolved into a GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng asynchronously so if this method is used, searches are made relative to this location once the geocoding operation completes with success.
  • returns - n/a

.setAddressLookupMode(mode)

The default behavior of this searcher is to co-mingle address lookup results (e.g., NY, NY) with local search results. There are situations where this co-mingled approach is not the desired behavior. For instance, suppose the searcher is centered in Santa Barbara, CA and the user is searching for "Cava". With co-mingled results, the first search result is actually an address match against "Cava Close, Aberdeen City, AB15 UK". The second result is "Cava Restaurant & Bar". Using this method, applications are able to disable and enable address lookup producing either strictly search results, or address lookup results co-mingled with search results. In this case, if address lookup is disabled, the first result would be "Cava Restaurant & Bar".

  • mode - supplies the desired address lookup mode:
    • GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.ADDRESS_LOOKUP_DISABLED - Disable address lookup and only produce search results.
    • GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.ADDRESS_LOOKUP_ENABLED - Enable address lookup producing co-mingled results. This is the default.
  • returns - n/a

GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch - Static Methods

Static Method Description

.resizeStaticMapUrl(result, height, width, opt_zoom?)New!

This utility function is designed to resize the image associated with the staticMapUrl property of the specified result. Upon completion, this property is replaced with a new value that represents the re-sized static map image. An optional zoom parameter may be passed allowing both the size and zoom level to be manipulated by this method. The default size of a static map image is 150px x 100px with a moderate zoom level of GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_DEFAULT. The Static Map Tile sample demonstrates one way to use this method (see the snippet below).

var img = document.createElement("img");
GlocalSearch.resizeStaticMapUrl(result, 80, 120);
img.src = result.staticMapUrl;
img.title = result.titleNoFormatting;
                

  • result - supplies the result object whose static map image is to be re-sized. Upon completion, the staticMapUrl property of this result object is modified.
  • height - supplies the height, in pixels, of the new image. Note, the default height is 100 pixels.
  • width - supplies the width, in pixels, of the new image. Note, the default width is 150 pixels.
  • opt_zoom - supplies an optional zoom level for the map. If no zoom level is specified, the value is unchanged, with the default value being GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_DEFAULT. Valid values include GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_CLOSEST to GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_FARTHEST.
  • returns - the new value of staticMapUrl is returned.

.computeStaticMapUrl(results, height, width, opt_zoom?)New!

This utility function is designed to create a static map image from the caller supplied collection of points. The points may be in the form of a collection of search result objects, a collection of objects containing a numeric .lat and .lng property, or a collection of GLatLnggoogle.maps.LatLng objects. Only the first GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_MAX_POINTS objects are considered for inclusion. The Static Map Tile sample demonstrates one way to use this method. In this sample, a static map is created from a collection of locations in northern europe. This default map is shown when there are no search results. When a search completes, a new map image is computed using the collection of search results.

// demonstrate computeStaticMapUrl with simple point array
this.worldPointsUrl = GlocalSearch.computeStaticMapUrl(
                        worldPoints,350, 400);
document.getElementById("resultsImg").src =
                        this.worldPointsUrl;
...
var worldPoints = [
  { lat : 48.8565, lng : 2.3509 },      // paris
  { lat : 52.5238, lng : 13.4119},      // berlin
  { lat : 52.3738, lng : 4.8909},       // amsterdam
  { lat : 55.676294, lng : 12.568115},  // copenhagen
  { lat : 60.160791, lng : 24.952548},  // helsinki
  { lat : 59.332725, lng : 18.064454},  // stockholm
  { lat : 59.913820, lng : 10.738741}   // oslo
];
                

  • results - supplies an array of objects to be plotted on on a static map image.
  • height - supplies the height, in pixels, of the new image.
  • width - supplies the width, in pixels, of the new image.
  • opt_zoom - supplies an optional zoom level for the map. If no zoom level is specified, the system computes an appropriate zoom level. If supplied valid values include GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_CLOSEST to GlocalSearchgoogle.search.LocalSearch.STATIC_MAP_ZOOM_FARTHEST.
  • returns - the static map url for this collection of points.

GvideoSearchgoogle.search.VideoSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Video Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GvideoResult objects.

GvideoSearchgoogle.search.VideoSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GvideoSearchgoogle.search.VideoSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Web Search service.

GvideoSearchgoogle.search.VideoSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setResultOrder(orderBy)

The default behavior of this searcher is to return results ordered by their relevance. In some cases, it is useful to see results ordered by date. This method may be used to change the result order.

  • orderBy - supplies the desired result order:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_RELEVANCE - This is the default and indicates that results should be returned in order of their relevance.
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_DATE - This value indicates that results should be returned in publication date order.
  • returns - n/a

GblogSearchgoogle.search.BlogSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Blog Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GblogResultgoogle.search.BlogResult objects.

GblogSearchgoogle.search.BlogSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GblogSearchgoogle.search.BlogSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Blog Search service.

GblogSearchgoogle.search.BlogSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setSiteRestriction(site)

This method is used to restrict the set of blog search results returned by this searcher. To restrict results to all blog results on blogspot.com, simply call this method with a value of "blogspot.com". To restrict results to the Nintendo DS blog on Live Journal, simply call with "http://community.livejournal.com/nintendo_ds/". To clear site restrictions, pass in a value of null.

  • site - supplies a site restriction setting e.g., "blogspot.com", "http://community.livejournal.com/nintendo_ds/", etc.
  • returns - n/a

.setResultOrder(orderBy)

The default behavior of this searcher is to return results ordered by their relevance. In some cases, it is useful to see results ordered by date. This method may be used to change the result order.

  • orderBy - supplies the desired result order:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_RELEVANCE - This is the default and indicates that results should be returned in order of their relevance.
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_DATE - This value indicates that results should be returned in publication date order.
  • returns - n/a

GnewsSearchgoogle.search.NewsSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google News service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GnewsSearchgoogle.search.NewsResult objects.

GnewsSearchgoogle.search.NewsSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GnewsSearchgoogle.search.NewsSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google News service.

GnewsSearchgoogle.search.NewsSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setSiteRestriction(site)

This method is used to restrict the set of news search results returned by this searcher. To restrict results to all news results from the Seattle Times, simply call this method with a value of "Seattle Times". To restrict results to results from CNN, simply call with "CNN". The pattern is that the title of the news source is seperated by either spaces or underscore (e.g., "_"). To clear site restrictions, pass in a value of null.

  • site - supplies a site restriction setting e.g., "Seattle Times", "CNN", etc.
  • returns - n/a

.setResultOrder(orderBy)

The default behavior of this searcher is to return results ordered by their relevance. In some cases, it is useful to see results ordered by date. This method may be used to change the result order.

  • orderBy - supplies the desired result order:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_RELEVANCE - This is the default and indicates that results should be returned in order of their relevance.
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.ORDER_BY_DATE - This value indicates that results should be returned in publication date order.
  • returns - n/a

GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Book Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GbookResult objects.

GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Book Search service.

GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setRestriction(type, opt_value)

This method is used to specify or clear a restriction on the set of results returned by this searcher. In order to establish a restriction, both type and opt_value must be supplied and valid. In order to clear a restriction, supply a valid value for type and either specify null for the value of opt_value, or do not supply this.

This API currently supports the following restriction types:

  • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_TYPE - When this is specified as the value of type supplying an opt_value of GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch.TYPE_FULL_VIEW_BOOKS will restrict the results to only "Full View Books". Supplying a value of GbookSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch.TYPE_ALL_BOOKS allows the searcher to return all books. Note, this is the default and the behavior in effect when the GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_TYPE restriction is cleared.
  • GSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch.USER_LISTNew! - When this is specified as the value of type, the value of opt_value is used to specify a user's library. Queries will be restricted to only those books present in this library. Supplying a value of null clears this restriction allowing searches to see all books in all libraries. Note, this is the default behavior.

  • type - supplies the type of restriction to establish
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_TYPE
    • GSearchgoogle.search.BookSearch.USER_LIST
  • opt_value - supplies the value for the specified restriction type. If the value is null, then the specified restriction is cleared. Otherwise, the value must be valid relative to the value of type and if so, establishes a restriction. See above.

GimageSearchgoogle.search.ImageSearchNew!

This object implements the GSearchgoogle.search.Search interface over the Google Image Search service. Upon completion of a search it delivers a collection GimageSearchgoogle.search.ImageSearch objects.

GimageSearchgoogle.search.ImageSearch - Constructor

Constructor Description

GimageSearchgoogle.search.ImageSearch()

The constructor is used to create an instance of a searcher object designed to provide search results from the Google Image Search service.

GimageSearchgoogle.search.ImageSearch - Methods

Method Description

.setRestriction(type, opt_value)New!

This method is used to specify or clear a restriction on the set of results returned by this searcher. In order to establish a restriction, both type and opt_value must be supplied and be valid. In order to clear a restriction, supply a valid value for type and either specify null for the value of opt_value, or do not supply the opt_value argument.

This API currently supports the following restriction types:

  • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.RESTRICT_SAFESEARCH New! - When this is specified as the value of type the image search results will be restricted to images based on the safesearch value. Valid optional values for this type are as follows:
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_STRICT - apply strict filtering for both explicit text and explicit images
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_MODERATE - apply filtering for explicit images (the default behavior)
    • GSearchgoogle.search.Search.SAFESEARCH_OFF - do not apply safe search filtering
    The following code snippet demonstrates how to turn safe searc