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Storm Dragon edited this page 2025-07-30 15:30:36 -04:00
Search
TTYverse provides comprehensive search functionality to help you discover posts, people, hashtags, and conversations across the fediverse.
Basic Search Commands
The /search Command
The primary search interface uses simple syntax:
/search <query> # General search
/search <query> +<count> # Limit results (optional)
Examples:
/search accessibility # Search for posts about accessibility
/search "command line" # Search exact phrase
/search #fediverse # Search hashtag
/search @storm@stormux.org # Find specific user
Search Types
Content Search
Search post content across the fediverse:
/search "terminal client" # Exact phrase in posts
/search accessibility tools # Posts containing both terms
/search TTYverse # Posts mentioning TTYverse
Content search finds:
- Post text and content
- Replies and conversations
- Public posts visible to your instance
- Posts from accounts you follow
Hashtag Search
Find posts tagged with specific hashtags:
/search #accessibility # Posts tagged with #accessibility
/search #commandline # Posts about command line tools
/search #mastodon # Posts about Mastodon
/search #poll # Posts containing polls
Hashtag features:
- Case-insensitive matching
- Includes variations and related tags
- Shows both local and federated results
- Reveals trending topics
User Search
Find people across the fediverse:
/search @username # Search for username on your instance
/search @user@example.com # Search specific user on remote instance
/search "Display Name" # Search by display name
User search returns:
- Account usernames and display names
- Profile information
- Follower/following counts
- Account verification status
Mixed Search
Combine different search types:
/search storm accessibility # Posts by/about storm related to accessibility
/search @storm #ttyverse # Storm's posts tagged with #ttyverse
Search Results Display
Result Format
Search results use TTYverse's standard post display format:
-- searching for: accessibility tools
-- found 15 results
a0> {,POST_ID} <username> (2h ago) via TTYverse [Public]
Great article about accessibility tools for developers
a1> {,POST_ID} <username> (4h ago) via Web [Unlisted]
Just discovered TTYverse - finally an accessible command-line fediverse client!
a2> {,POST_ID} <username> (1d ago) via Mobile [Public]
#accessibility tools that every developer should know about
Result features:
- Uses standard menu codes (a0, a1, a2, etc.)
- Shows full post context
- Includes visibility indicators
- Maintains chronological order
- Allows normal interactions (reply, boost, favorite)
No Results Handling
When searches return no results:
TTYverse> /search "nonexistent term"
-- searching for: nonexistent term
-- sorry, no results were found.
Advanced Search Techniques
Exact Phrase Matching
Use quotes for precise searches:
/search "TTYverse client" # Finds posts with exact phrase
/search "blind accessibility" # Exact phrase matching
Without quotes: Searches for posts containing all terms With quotes: Searches for posts containing the exact phrase
User-Specific Content
Search within specific user's posts:
/again @username # Show recent posts from user
/wagain @username # Show all recent activity from user
These commands complement search by focusing on specific accounts.
Cross-Instance Search
Search for users on remote instances:
/search @user@mastodon.social # Find user on Mastodon.social
/search @admin@pixelfed.social # Find user on Pixelfed
/search @bot@botsin.space # Find bot accounts
Cross-instance format: Always use @username@instance.domain
Search Result Interaction
Standard Interactions
Search results support all normal TTYverse interactions:
# After search results appear with menu codes
/reply a2 Thanks for sharing this resource!
/boost a0 # Share interesting result
/fav a1 # Favorite helpful post
/url a2 # Open URL from search result
Following from Search
Discover and follow new accounts:
# Search for interesting users
/search @expert@domain.com
# Follow them if you like their content
/follow @expert@domain.com
Bookmarking Search Results
Save interesting findings for later:
/bookmark a3 # Save search result
/timeline bookmarks # View saved posts later
Search Limitations and Considerations
Instance-Specific Results
What you can search:
- Public posts visible to your instance
- Posts from accounts you follow
- Posts that have federated to your server
- Local instance content
What you might miss:
- Posts from blocked instances
- Private/followers-only posts (unless you follow the account)
- Posts that haven't federated to your server
- Very recent posts (federation delay)
Server-Dependent Features
Search capabilities vary by server:
- Mastodon: Full-text search varies by instance configuration
- GoToSocial: Search features depend on admin settings
- Pleroma: Different search algorithm and capabilities
- Other servers: Varying levels of search support
Rate Limiting
Search commands consume API requests:
- Frequent searches may hit rate limits
- Use
/rateto check current limit status - Space out searches if you hit limits
Search Strategies
Finding Communities
Discover topic-based communities:
/search #linux # Linux community posts
/search #accessibility # Accessibility community
/search #programming # Programming discussions
/timeline local # See your instance's community
/timeline federated # Broader fediverse conversations
Following Conversations
Track ongoing discussions:
/search "controversial topic" # Find current discussions
/thread a3 # View full conversation thread
/bookmark a5 # Save interesting threads
Finding Expertise
Locate knowledgeable users:
/search @expert accessibility # Find accessibility experts
/search #programming help # Find programming assistance
/whois @username # Get detailed user information
Content Discovery
Explore new content:
/search #photography # Visual content
/search "book recommendation" # Recommendations
/search #music # Music discussions
/search "tutorial" # Educational content
Troubleshooting Search
Common Search Issues
No results found:
- Check spelling and try alternative terms
- Remove quotes to broaden search
- Try searching hashtags instead of content
- Check if the content exists on your instance
Search taking too long:
- Check network connection
- Try simpler search terms
- Use
/rateto check API limits - Try again in a few minutes
Missing expected results:
- Content may not have federated to your instance
- Posts might be private/followers-only
- Search indexing may be delayed
- Try cross-instance user search format
Authentication Issues
Search not working:
- Test basic connectivity:
/refresh - Check OAuth setup:
ls ~/.config/ttyverse/ - Re-authenticate if needed: remove config and restart
- Verify server supports search features
Search Best Practices
Effective Search Queries
Be specific but not too narrow:
- Good:
accessibility tools - Too broad:
tools - Too narrow:
"accessibility tools for blind developers using TTYverse"
Use appropriate search types:
- User search:
@username@domain - Hashtag search:
#hashtag - Content search:
"exact phrase"orkeyword
Privacy Considerations
Search visibility:
- Your searches are not visible to others
- Search results respect post visibility
- Following users from search results is visible to them
- Interactions with search results follow normal privacy rules
Discovery Ethics
Respectful discovery:
- Don't mass-follow from search results
- Respect conversation context when joining threads
- Read user profiles before following
- Consider if your participation adds value
Integration with Other Features
Search and Timelines
Combine search with timeline browsing:
/search #topic # Find interesting topic
/timeline local # See local discussion
/timeline federated # See broader conversation
Search and Bookmarks
Build a research collection:
/search "important topic" # Find relevant posts
/bookmark a3 # Save important findings
/bookmark a7 # Build reference collection
/timeline bookmarks # Review saved research
Search and Notifications
Track mentions and discussions:
/search @yourusername # See mentions of yourself
/timeline notifications # Check direct mentions
/search "topic you posted" # See responses to your topics
See also: Commands Reference | Basic Usage | Advanced Features