Predictive Text on Web

Built with React, TypeScript, MiniSearch, CSS Modules

Overview

This intelligent search component demonstrates advanced predictive text functionality with fuzzy matching, auto-suggestions, and real-time filtering. Built for a delivery service application, it helps users quickly find locations from a large dataset with smart search capabilities.

The component features instant search feedback, keyboard navigation, accessibility compliance, and smooth animations for an enhanced user experience.

Key Features

• Fuzzy Search: Finds results even with typos using MiniSearch library
• Auto-suggestions: Predictive text overlay shows suggested completions
• Real-time Filtering: Instant results as you type
• Keyboard Navigation: Enter to apply suggestions, Escape to clear
• Accessibility: ARIA labels, screen reader support, focus management
• Performance Optimized: Memoized search index and efficient re-renders
• Mobile Responsive: Touch-friendly interface with optimized layouts

Implementation Details

The search functionality is powered by MiniSearch, a lightweight full-text search library that provides:

Search Configuration:

• Boost: Name field gets 2x relevance boost for better matching
• Fuzzy matching: 0.2 tolerance for typos and variations
• Prefix search: Matches partial words for instant feedback
• Auto-suggest: Generates completion suggestions in real-time

Performance Optimizations:

• Search index is memoized to prevent rebuilding on re-renders
• Results are filtered efficiently using the indexed data
• CSS animations use transform for smooth performance
• Debounced search input prevents excessive API calls

Accessibility Features:

• Proper ARIA roles (combobox, option, status)
• Screen reader announcements for search results
• Keyboard navigation with Enter and Escape keys
• Focus management and visual indicators
• Semantic HTML structure

What I Learned

• Search UX Patterns: How predictive text overlays improve user experience
• Performance Trade-offs: Balancing search accuracy vs speed with fuzzy matching
• Accessibility in Search: Complex ARIA patterns for screen reader compatibility
• MiniSearch Library: Powerful features for client-side full-text search
• State Management: Coordinating multiple search states (query, suggestions, results)
• CSS Animations: Using staggered animations for result lists
• Mobile Considerations: Touch interactions vs keyboard shortcuts