Inline Search #31
Description
Value Prop
Transform the search experience from a hidden dropdown filter into a prominent, always-visible search input with inline filter syntax—similar to Sentry and PostHog. Search is currently buried inside a filter dropdown, forcing users to click through multiple steps to perform basic text search. Power users waste clicks; new users don't discover search at all; and each filter adds a chip that clutters the UI.
The new inline search puts a large, prominent search bar at the top of Logs, Issues, and Device configuration pages. Users can type level:error tag:network device:iPhone "timeout" directly, or click to add filter chips. All search state lives in the URL—making searches shareable and bookmarkable. We unify fragmented API parameters (log_text, query, content) into a single query parameter with Sentry-compatible syntax: wildcards (*), boolean operators (OR, !), comparison operators (>, <), and grouping with ().
We preserve Bugfender's unique "jump between matches" feature: instead of filtering to only matching logs, users can see all logs with matches highlighted and navigate between them while retaining full context.
Expected Outcome
Our users have asked for a faster, more discoverable way to search logs and issues without cluttering the UI with filter chips. Search should feel like a primary action, not an afterthought. This delivers:
- Discoverability: Search is always visible at the top of the page—no more digging through dropdowns
- Efficiency: Power users can type
level:error user_id=12345 tag:networkin one place and execute on Enter - Unified API: One
queryparameter across Logs, Issues, and Devices—simplifying both UI and API usage - Shareable searches: URL as source of truth means any search can be shared or bookmarked