Create a Category-Only Coding Solutions Search in Joomla
Use Joomla Smart Search to place a search box on the Coding Solutions hub that returns only articles from that section.
Recommended approach
Combine a Smart Search filter, a dedicated search-results menu item, and a Smart Search module embedded on the hub page.
- A Smart Search filter restricts the index to Coding Solutions articles.
- A Smart Search menu item controls the results page and its URL.
- A Smart Search module provides the search box on the hub.
1. Prepare the category
Place all relevant articles in Content → Categories → Coding Solutions.
If the library later uses subcategories—such as CSV Tools, SQL, APIs, HTML, or Joomla—include every desired subcategory in the Smart Search filter.
2. Enable and build the Smart Search index
- Go to System → Manage → Plugins.
- Confirm that Finder – Content is enabled.
- Go to Components → Smart Search → Index.
- Run the initial index if one has not already been created.
Joomla normally updates the index as articles are saved. Run the indexer again after a large batch import or major content reorganization.
3. Create the Coding Solutions filter
Go to Components → Smart Search → Filters → New and use the following settings:
| Setting | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Title | Coding Solutions Articles |
| Type | Articles |
| Category | Coding Solutions |
| Subcategories | Select each subcategory that should appear in results |
| Status | Published |
Selecting both Articles and Coding Solutions prevents other indexed content types from entering the results.
4. Create a dedicated results page
Create a menu item in a hidden menu: Menus → Hidden Menu → New.
| Setting | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Menu Item Type | Smart Search → Search |
| Title | Search Coding Solutions |
| Alias | search-coding-solutions |
| Search Filter | Coding Solutions Articles |
| Advanced Search | Hide |
| Date Filters | Hide |
| Result Description | Show |
| Description Length | 180–220 characters |
| Result URL | Hide |
| Pagination | Show |
| Allow Empty Search | No |
A hidden menu provides a stable route and page configuration without adding another visible navigation link.
5. Create the Smart Search module
Go to System → Manage → Site Modules → New → Smart Search.
| Setting | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Title | Search Coding Solutions |
| Show Title | Hide if the hub article supplies the heading |
| Search Filter | Coding Solutions Articles |
| Search Suggestions | Show |
| Advanced Search | Hide |
| Position | coding-solutions-search |
| Menu Assignment | Only the Coding Solutions hub page |
| Status | Published |
What coding problem are you trying to solve?
Search our growing collection of practical tools, examples, and guides.
6. Embed the module in the hub article
Confirm that the Content – Load Modules plugin is enabled. Add the following immediately below the introductory callout:
Important distinction
The module assignment controls where the search box appears. The Smart Search filter controls what appears in the results. Apply the Coding Solutions Articles filter to both the module and the results menu item.