> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/plugins/norrcompetition-smart-search.md).

# NorrCompetition Smart Search

Smart Search (Finder) integration package for NorrCompetition.

### Overview

**NorrCompetition Smart Search** (`pkg_ncfinder`) integrates NorrCompetition with Joomla's high-performance Smart Search (`com_finder`) indexer. It enables fast, faceted full-text search across contests and participant entries with live indexing and custom taxonomy filters.

### Package Architecture

The `pkg_ncfinder` package installs and automatically enables three specialized plugins:

| Plugin                                                                | Group         | Purpose                                                                                                                                                                          |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Competition - Finder** (`plg_competition_finder`)                   | `competition` | Event listener that detects lifecycle changes in NorrCompetition (entry creation, moderation approval, status changes, trashing) and immediately updates the Smart Search index. |
| **Smart Search - NorrCompetition Contests** (`plg_finder_nccontests`) | `finder`      | Indexer plugin that parses and indexes NorrCompetition contests, including titles, descriptions, categories, and metadata.                                                       |
| **Smart Search - NorrCompetition Entries** (`plg_finder_ncentries`)   | `finder`      | Indexer plugin that parses and indexes published entries, custom field values, contestants, and contest associations.                                                            |

### Indexing & Search Capabilities

* **Indexed Content**: Entry titles, descriptions, custom field text/values, contestant names, contest titles, and categories.
* **Faceted Search & Taxonomies**: Users can filter search results by Content Type (*Contest*, *Entry*), *Category*, *Contest*, and *Author*.
* **Access Control**: Respects Joomla ACL and NorrCompetition view permissions so unauthorized users cannot discover restricted entries or closed contests in search results.

### Building & Updating the Index

To index your contests and entries for the first time or rebuild the index:

1. **Joomla Administrator Panel**: Navigate to **Components > Smart Search > Index** and click **Index** in the toolbar.
2. **Command-Line Interface (CLI)**: You can run or schedule indexation via the Joomla CLI:

   ```bash
   php cli/joomla.php finder:index
   ```

{% hint style="info" %}
All three plugins are automatically published upon package installation. Subsequent changes to contests and entries are synchronized in real time without requiring manual re-indexing.
{% endhint %}

### One-Click Updates

The package includes a **Download Key** field configured in **System > Update Sites** or during installation, enabling automatic updates via the Joomla Extension Update system.