# Search Functions

Search Functions enable users to quickly find and evaluate possible solutions to the specific, unique problems that arise in their scheduling workflow.

Each Search Function is backed by a TypeScript function. The flexible interface allows builders to write functions that can return pucks, time slots, or a combination of both. Additionally, Search Functions can be row-based or puck-based.

For row-based Search Functions, users must right-click on an empty space and pass in row object and time as function inputs. For puck-based Search Functions, users must right-click on a puck to pass in object and time as function inputs.

The image below displays the interface for a Search Function returning pucks.

<img src="../../../assets/0bdeed2d5c425785bca14dc3b06d4c522f365511dec657da6abbef96b6d169a2.webp" alt="Example: search function returning pucks" width="700" >

The image below displays the interface for a Search Function returning time slots.

<img src="../../../assets/a68fe3af171fc75a12134b406076156829855069d7816ad7676e561a43a5f200.webp" alt="Example: search function returning time slots" width="700" >

After a Search Function is executed, a new search group will be created in the Scheduling Gantt Chart with the results highlighted in yellow. Search groups can be collapsed and expanded by selecting the caret symbol (**^**) on the right side of the group header. Additionally, users can view search results in detail by selecting the **Results Overview** option to open a panel with the output of the Search Function, as displayed in the below image.

<img src="../../../assets/e5f87724541cc42e82a5554677ec1a719dbdf199ac89532d947cc9d9bf16b84b.webp" alt="Search Function results overview interface." width="700" >

## Functions interface

The types below represent the necessary information to write a Search Function when triggered from either a row or a puck, including details about the search group.

```
type IPuckSearch = (puck: ObjectReference) => ISearchResult
type IRowSearch = (rowId: string, selectedTime: Timestamp) => ISearchResult


/*
   Search Functions can return time slots, pucks, or both. SLOT and PUCK 
   are used as types in IHighlight.
*/

export enum HighlightType {
    SLOT = "SLOT",
    PUCK = "PUCK",
}


/*
   Used in IHighlight for functions that will return a set of timeslots.  
*/

export interface IDomain {
    start: Long;
    end: Long;
}

/*
   Used to determine what is highlighted in the UI after search function is run
*/

export interface IHighlight {
    type: string;
    // needed for "SLOT"
    domain?: IDomain;
    containerId?: string;
    // needed for "PUCK"
    schedulableObjectPrimaryKey?: string;
    schedulableObjectTypeId?: string;
    // optional
    comment?: string;
}

/*
   Defines the title of newly created search group and the rows the 
   function returns.
*/
export interface IRowGroup {
    title: string;
    containerIds: string[];
    highlights: IHighlight[];
}

/*
   Overall return type of function. 
*/

export interface ISearchResult {
    rowGroup?: IRowGroup;
    sourcePuckIds?: string[];
    error?: string;
}
```