attributesuch

Attributesuch is a term used in information retrieval to describe a search approach that locates items by filtering on predefined attributes rather than by entering free-text keywords. The word is a compound of attribute and suchen (to search) and is found in German-language discussions of search interfaces, sometimes used in broader multilingual texts to denote attribute-based or facet-driven search.

Concept: In an attributesuch model, data items carry a fixed set of attributes (for example color, size, date, author, genre). A user interacts with facets or filters corresponding to these attributes, and a query is formed by selecting values or ranges for one or more attributes. The result is the set of items that satisfy all chosen constraints. Attributesuch is commonly integrated with full-text search in hybrid systems, enabling both precise filtering and natural-language relevance.

Implementation: Effective attributesuch relies on a well-defined schema and indexing at the attribute level. Facet hierarchies, standardized value representations, and efficient boolean querying are typical design concerns. Performance benefits arise from selective indexing, while challenges include handling missing values, attribute drift, and schema evolution.

Applications: E-commerce product search, digital libraries, media asset management, and CRM systems frequently employ attribute-based filtering to narrow large result sets quickly and transparently for users.

Relationship to related concepts: Attributesuch is closely related to faceted search and structured search and is complementary to keyword-based information retrieval. It differs from attribute-based access control, which governs permissions rather than search semantics.

See also: Faceted search; Information retrieval; Structured search.