=== Super Ajax Search ===
Contributors: naveendeveloper
Tags: ajax search, live search, autocomplete, instant search, search plugin
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Requires PHP: 8.1
Stable tag: 2.0.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Feature-rich live search with thumbnails, smart excerpts, result grouping, and category filtering.

== Description ==

Super Ajax Search enhances your website's search with instant live results as users type. Built on the WordPress REST API with a modern vanilla JS frontend — no jQuery dependency, lightning fast.

**Free Features:**

* **Live Search** — Instant AJAX-powered results as you type.
* **Thumbnails** — Display featured images in search results.
* **Smart Excerpts** — Show content snippets with the search keyword highlighted in bold.
* **Result Grouping** — Organize results by Post Type or Category.
* **Category Filter** — Optional dropdown to filter results by category.
* **Debounced Search** — 300ms debounce prevents excessive server requests.
* **Transient Caching** — 1-hour cache for identical queries (configurable).
* **REST API** — Modern endpoint replaces admin-ajax.php for better performance.
* **Keyboard Navigation** — Arrow keys, Enter, and Escape support.
* **Accessible** — ARIA labels, roles, and semantic HTML.
* **Secure** — Nonce verification, input sanitization, output escaping, publish-only results.
* **Customizable** — Configure post types, result limit, placeholder text, no-results message.
* **Shortcode** — `[super_ajax_search]` with optional attributes.
* **Multi-instance** — Multiple search forms per page, no ID conflicts.
* **Responsive** — Mobile-friendly layout.
* **Lightweight** — Under 15KB total (CSS + JS), zero dependencies.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the `ajax-searchwp` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`.
2. Activate through the **Plugins** menu.
3. Go to **Super Ajax Search** in the admin sidebar to configure settings.
4. Use the shortcode `[super_ajax_search]` on any page or post.

**Shortcode Attributes:**

* `placeholder` — Override the search input placeholder.
* `category_filter` — Show a category dropdown (`"true"` or `"false"`).

Example: `[super_ajax_search category_filter="true" placeholder="Find products…"]`

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= How do I use the shortcode? =
Place `[super_ajax_search]` in any post, page, or widget where you want the search to appear.

= Can I choose which post types to search? =
Yes. Go to Super Ajax Search settings and check the post types you want included.

= Does it work with WooCommerce? =
Yes. Enable the "Products" post type in the settings.

= Is the search secure? =
Yes. All inputs are sanitized, outputs are escaped, and only published posts are returned.

== Changelog ==

= 2.0.0 =
* **New:** Thumbnail support in search results.
* **New:** Smart excerpts with keyword highlighting.
* **New:** Result grouping by Post Type or Category.
* **New:** Category filter dropdown.
* **New:** 300ms debounced search to reduce server load.
* **New:** REST API endpoint (replaces admin-ajax.php).
* **New:** Transient caching (configurable TTL).
* **New:** Keyboard navigation (arrow keys, Enter, Escape).
* **New:** Vanilla JS — jQuery dependency removed.
* **New:** Multi-instance shortcode support.
* **New:** PHPUnit test suite.
* **Security:** Explicit `post_status => 'publish'` to prevent data leakage.
* **Security:** XSS-safe DOM rendering in JavaScript.
* **Fix:** AJAX handlers now properly load (fixed `is_admin()` bootstrap bug).
* **Refactor:** Full rename from Ajax SearchWP to Super Ajax Search.
* **Refactor:** Options migrated from `ajax_searchwp_*` to `super_ajax_search_*`.
* **Compat:** PHP 8.1+ with typed properties and return types.
* **Compat:** WordPress 6.7 tested.

= 1.5.0 =
* Initial public release.

== Screenshots ==

1. Plugin settings page with all configuration options.
2. Search form with category filter and live results.
3. Results with thumbnails, excerpts, and keyword highlighting.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 2.0.0 =
Major upgrade with new features, REST API, and security hardening. Settings are automatically migrated.

== Support ==

If you have any suggestions, need any help, or want to connect with me, please reach out:
* Email: info@techwithnavi.com
* Website: https://techwithnavi.com/