We have added full-text search functionality to our mailing list archives. A simple search block shows up along side each mail archive posting allowing you to search all mailing lists, or just the list that you're currently viewing. An advanced search page helps you craft more complex queries and to search multiple mailing lists at a time.

Searching is extremely fast thanks to the Sphinx search engine. Currently our search index is only updated once ever day, but we will soon improve it to update more frequently. Check the advanced search page to see as new features are enabled.

You can search the KernelTrap mailing list archives using the Sphinx extended query format. Simply entering multiple words into the search box will search for messages (including message subject, date, and the mail from address) containing all of the words you entered. For example, to search for all messages containing the words "Linus Torvalds" next to each other, you would enter:

Linus Torvalds

To search for words that contain the words "Linus Torvalds" in that order, you would add quotes to your search:

"Linus Torvalds"

To search for messages with either the word "Linus" or the word "Torvalds" (or both), you can use the "|" symbol as follows:

Linus | Torvalds

And to search for all messages with the word "Linus" but not the word "Torvalds", use the "-" symbol as follows:

Linus -Torvalds

To search for the words "Linus", "Torvalds" and "Linux" within ten words of each other, you can use a proximity search as follows:

"Linus Torvalds Linux"~10

The advanced search page will help you quickly craft complex queries.

In the future, we will provide Sphinx search of all site content, not just our mail archives. You will be able to select what type of content you are searching. We will also continue to improve our indexes allowing you to more quickly find what you're looking for.

You can leave feedback and suggestions here, or email me at jeremy@kerneltrap.org.