I have an SQL database with multiple tables, and I am working on creating a searching feature. Other than having multiple queries for the different tables, is there a different way to go about said searching function?
I should probably add that a lot of my content is database driven to make upkeep easier. Lucene will not work for this, correct?
Different approaches to consider:
1) Multiple queries pre-baked, like you described.
2) Dynamic sql that you put together on the fly based on user-entered criteria.
3) If text is involved, based on SQL Server full text search or Lucene.
In my open source app BugTracker.NET, I do both 2 and 3 (using Lucene.NET).
I documented how I use Lucene.NET here: http://www.ifdefined.com/blog/post/2009/02/Full-Text-Search-in-ASPNET-using-LuceneNET.aspx