Customizing the SearchBar in .NET MAUI

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/maui/user-interface/controls/searchbar?view=net-maui-8.0&WT.mc_id=linkedin

The SearchBar in .NET MAUI is a powerful tool for delivering efficient search experiences in mobile and desktop applications. In this article, we'll explore ways to customize and optimize the use of the SearchBar with practical and detailed examples. From real-time search behaviors to dynamic component integration, we'll dive into techniques to create features that enhance user experience.

Modifying Search Behavior

Real-Time Search:To provide instant feedback as the user types, you can capture text change events with TextChanged:

<SearchBar Placeholder="Type to search..." 
           TextChanged="OnSearchBarTextChanged" />        

private void OnSearchBarTextChanged(object sender, TextChangedEventArgs e)
{
    // Real-time search example
    var searchResults = MyDataList.Where(item => 
        item.Contains(e.NewTextValue, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase)).ToList();
    ResultsCollectionView.ItemsSource = searchResults;
}        

Button-Controlled Search:If the goal is to optimize the search to avoid excessive queries, we can adjust the logic to execute only after the user presses "Enter" or a specific button.

<SearchBar Placeholder="Press Enter to search" 
           SearchButtonPressed="OnSearchButtonPressed" />        

private void OnSearchButtonPressed(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Executes search only when the button is pressed
    var searchQuery = ((SearchBar)sender).Text;
    var filteredResults = MyDataList
        .Where(item => item.Contains(searchQuery, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
        .ToList();
    ResultsCollectionView.ItemsSource = filteredResults;
}        

Advanced Styling

Layout Customization:We can alter the appearance of the SearchBar to create more appealing designs:

<SearchBar BackgroundColor="#f3f3f3" 
           TextColor="Black" 
           PlaceholderColor="Gray"
           Margin="10,20,10,0" 
           FontAttributes="Bold" />        

Custom Icons:Add custom icons to replace the default search icon:

<SearchBar x:Name="CustomSearchBar"
           Placeholder="Search items..." />        

CustomSearchBar.HandlerChanged += (s, e) =>
{
    if (CustomSearchBar.Handler is SearchBarHandler handler && 
        handler.PlatformView is Android.Widget.SearchView searchView)
    {
        // Replace icons using platform-specific APIs if needed
    }
};        

Integration with Other Controls

Filtering Lists with CollectionView:

<SearchBar x:Name="ListSearchBar" 
           Placeholder="Search list" 
           TextChanged="OnListSearchBarTextChanged" />
<CollectionView x:Name="FilteredList" />        

private void OnListSearchBarTextChanged(object sender, TextChangedEventArgs e)
{
    FilteredList.ItemsSource = FullList
        .Where(item => item.Name.Contains(e.NewTextValue, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
        .ToList();
}        

Complex Filters and Asynchronous Search with Debounce

Implement a debounce to avoid excessive calls during typing:

private CancellationTokenSource debounceTimer;

private void OnDebouncedSearch(object sender, TextChangedEventArgs e)
{
    debounceTimer?.Cancel();
    debounceTimer = new CancellationTokenSource();
    var token = debounceTimer.Token;

    Task.Delay(300).ContinueWith(t =>
    {
        if (!token.IsCancellationRequested)
        {
            // Perform the search
            ExecuteSearch(e.NewTextValue);
        }
    }, token);
}        

Customizing the SearchBar in .NET MAUI provides a powerful way to create search experiences that truly stand out, offering flexibility, sophisticated design, and enhanced usability. Whether with real-time searches, advanced filters, or component integrations, the possibilities are vast to elevate user interaction within your applications. By combining visual styling and performance techniques, you can adapt the functionality to meet the specific needs of each project. Thus, exploring and customizing the SearchBar transforms it from a simple text field into a key piece of the user's journey.

Keep experimenting and innovating. Every adjustment contributes to a smoother, more satisfying user experience, reflecting the overall quality of your application!

#dotnetmaui #xamarin #dotnetdeveloper #dotnet #community