Introduction

In Pega Constellation 24.2, the Search and Select pattern enables users to quickly find and select records from large datasets by typing keywords instead of scrolling through long lists. This improves data accuracy, enhances productivity, and delivers a more user-friendly interface.

This guide walks through implementing the Search and Select pattern, its advantages, and best practices to optimize search performance. Whether selecting customers, products, or referencing cases, this pattern ensures intuitive and efficient interaction.

Implementation Guide

1. Setup a Data Type

• Populate the data type with sample records to demonstrate functionality.

2. Create a Field

• Add a new field named “User” of type Data Reference.

• Map the field to the “Mapping” data type.

• Set the Options as “Single Record”.

3. Verify Property in Dev Studio

• The “User” property references pyGUID and uses self-reference

4. Configure View in App Studio

• Navigate to Configure View in App Studio.

• Add the “User” field to the desired view.

5. Update Display Configuration

• Click the User field link.

• Change Display As to Advanced Search to enable the Search and Select pattern.

6. Set Up Search Categories

• Add “Basic” as a Search for category.

• This action auto-generates a view named “Basic”.

7. Configure the Basic View

• In the Data Page option, the system auto-tags the relevant List Data Page.

• Add properties from the Data Page to display as column values in the result list.

8. Define Search Groups

• Under Search Groups, add a group named “Search by name”.

• Click “+” and select properties (e.g., Name) to allow search filtering by these fields.

9. Test the Search

• Select “Name” from the list and test it to check the behavior of search and select pattern.

• Input a keyword (e.g., “a”) in the Name field and verify filtered results appear instantly.

10. Add Additional Search Properties

• Add “Create operator name” to the “Search by name” group to expand the criteria.

11. Add Another Search Group

• Add a group “Search by id”.

• Include “Globally unique id” in this group.

• Test the dropdown to switch between “Search by name” and “Search by id”—verify dynamic field visibility.

12. Add Advanced Search Category

• Add a new category named “Advanced”.

• In the Advanced view:

  • Add Name, Phone, and Mobile as column fields.

  • Create a new Search Group: Search by Number.

  • Include Phone and Mobile properties in this group.

13. Test Category Switching

• Seamlessly switch between Basic and Advanced

• Validate results appear according to the selected search configuration.

Conclusion

The Search and Select pattern in Pega Constellation 24.2 empowers users with flexible search capabilities, improving performance and usability compared to traditional Theme Cosmos implementations. Users can search by various categories and groups, allowing dynamic record retrieval with ease.

Important Note

For implementing Search and Select with external data sources, refer to the official guide: Search and Select from an External Data Source