Fleet: Software Search Not Working With Custom Names

Introduction

This article delves into a specific issue encountered in Fleet version 4.77: the inability to search for software using custom display names. When searching on the hosts page, the setup experience box, and general software listings, the search functionality does not recognize the custom display names assigned to software. This discrepancy between the expected behavior, as outlined in Figma designs, and the actual behavior creates a usability challenge for users who rely on custom names for software identification. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the details of the issue, the steps to reproduce it, and potential solutions.

Understanding the Problem: Custom Display Names in Fleet

In Fleet, the ability to assign custom display names to software is a valuable feature that allows users to organize and identify applications in a way that aligns with their internal naming conventions. This is particularly useful in environments where software might have technical names that are not easily recognizable by all team members. For example, a user might rename "Keynote" to "Yeehaw" for easier identification within their organization. However, this feature's effectiveness is significantly hampered when the search functionality fails to recognize these custom names.

The Core Issue: Search Functionality Limitations

The primary issue lies in the search functionality's inability to index and retrieve software based on the custom display names assigned by users. Instead, the search relies on the actual, original names of the software. This means that if a user has renamed a piece of software, they must remember and use the original name when searching, which defeats the purpose of the custom display name feature. This limitation can lead to frustration and inefficiency, as users struggle to find the software they need using the names they have specifically chosen for their environment.

Visual Examples: Screenshots and Observations

To illustrate this issue, let's consider a scenario where a user renames "Keynote" to "Yeehaw." When the user attempts to search for "Yeehaw" in the setup experience or on the host Library or Inventory pages, no results are returned. The search only yields results when the original name, "Keynote," is used. This behavior is inconsistent with the Figma designs, which suggest that custom display names should be searchable. The provided images visually demonstrate this issue, highlighting the discrepancy between the expected and actual search behavior.

Reproducing the Issue: Step-by-Step Guide

To better understand and address this issue, it's crucial to be able to reproduce it consistently. Here's a step-by-step guide to recreate the problem in a Fleet environment:

1. Rename a piece of software: Begin by selecting a software application within Fleet and assigning it a custom display name. For example, rename "Keynote" to "Yeehaw."
2. Search in the setup experience: Navigate to the setup experience section in Fleet and attempt to search for the software using its custom display name ("Yeehaw" in our example).
3. Search on host pages: Next, try searching for the software on the host Library or Inventory pages, again using the custom display name.

Expected vs. Actual Result:

• Expected: The search should return the software with the custom display name.
• Actual: The search returns no results unless the original software name is used.

This consistent reproduction across multiple Fleet instances confirms the issue's existence and provides a clear path for developers to investigate and resolve it.

Impact and Implications

The inability to search by custom display name has several implications for Fleet users:

• Reduced Efficiency: Users waste time and effort trying to locate software, as they must remember and use the original names instead of their custom names.
• Inconsistent User Experience: The discrepancy between the expected behavior (as indicated in Figma designs) and the actual behavior creates a confusing and frustrating user experience.
• Limited Value of Custom Names: The custom display name feature loses its value if these names cannot be used for searching and filtering.
• Potential for Errors: Users may inadvertently select the wrong software if they rely on memory rather than a reliable search function.

Addressing this issue is crucial for enhancing the usability and overall value of Fleet, ensuring that users can effectively manage and interact with their software inventory.

Proposed Solution: Enhancing Search Functionality

To resolve this issue, Fleet's search functionality needs to be updated to include custom display names in its search index. This would involve the following steps:

1. Indexing Custom Names: Modify the search indexing process to include custom display names alongside the original software names.
2. Search Algorithm Update: Update the search algorithm to query both original and custom names when a user performs a search.
3. Testing and Validation: Thoroughly test the updated search functionality to ensure that it accurately returns results for both original and custom names.

By implementing these changes, Fleet can provide a more intuitive and efficient search experience, allowing users to leverage custom display names effectively.

Technical Considerations

Implementing the proposed solution may involve several technical considerations:

• Database Schema: The database schema may need to be updated to efficiently store and index custom display names.
• Search Indexing Performance: The impact of indexing custom names on search performance should be carefully evaluated and optimized.
• Scalability: The solution should be scalable to accommodate large software inventories and user bases.
• Backward Compatibility: Ensure that the changes do not negatively impact existing functionality or data.

Addressing these technical aspects will be critical to delivering a robust and reliable solution.

Conclusion: Prioritizing User Experience in Fleet

The issue of custom display names not being searchable in Fleet highlights the importance of aligning software functionality with user expectations. By addressing this issue, Fleet can significantly improve the user experience and enhance the value of its custom name feature. The proposed solution, involving indexing and querying custom names, offers a clear path forward. The Fleet team's commitment to resolving this issue will demonstrate their dedication to creating a user-friendly and efficient platform for software management. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the problem, its impact, and a potential solution, setting the stage for a more seamless and intuitive user experience in Fleet.

To further explore the capabilities and features of Fleet, you might find helpful resources on the official Fleet website. This will provide you with additional insights and information about the platform.