If you’ve been using Knack for a while, you’re probably familiar with customising tables and grids to suit your needs. But have you come across Knack Toolkit Library (KTL), created by @NormandDefayette_CortexRD yet? If not, it might be worth exploring, especially for features like Linked Searches.
What is Linked Searches?
Linked Searches is a useful KTL feature that allows you to link search results across multiple tables with the same data source. This feature lets you create a controlling view that filters data across all linked tables, making searches more efficient without having to enter the same term multiple times.
For example, if you have separate views for “Active,” “Pending,” and “Inactive” records, searching in your main table can automatically filter the results in those other views. It’s a small but handy improvement if you’re working with large datasets or want a more seamless search experience.
Why Should You Use Linked Searches?
• Simple Data Filtering: Easily filter multiple tables using one search input.
• Smoother User Experience: Users will appreciate the convenience of having all linked tables update with a single search term.
• No Code Required: You don’t need coding experience—just add the simple _LS keyword to get started.
How to Set Up Linked Searches
To set it up, add the _LS keyword to your controlling view, select the views you want to link, and that’s it. The search term you enter will automatically filter the results across all linked tables.
While Linked Searches may not be something you need every day, it’s a handy feature to have when you do need it. If you’re curious about how it works, check out my latest video where I demonstrate the setup and its functionality.
Give KTL a try and see if Linked Searches can make your app even more efficient. Happy building!
