Custom Google Search API Setup Tutorial

So today I did a little tutorial on how to setup Google Search API for your blog/website. This could be used instead of the standard search facilities usually provided in WordPress Themes. It’s really easy to setup! You can customise the search to show results only from your blog/website and other searches such as images, video, news and others (see below for full list).

How to do it

Get your Google API Key
Put your key in the code below
Customise the search (add your own domain name!)
Customise the styles to suit your website
Enjoy!

The JavaScript

google.load("search", "1", {"language" : "en"});

// Call this function when the page has been loaded
function initialize() {
var searchControl = new google.search.SearchControl();

// site restricted web search
var siteSearch = new google.search.WebSearch();
siteSearch.setUserDefinedLabel("jquery4u.com");
siteSearch.setUserDefinedClassSuffix("siteSearch");
siteSearch.setSiteRestriction("jquery4u.com");
searchControl.addSearcher(siteSearch);
	
//Search API Topics
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.WebSearch());
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.NewsSearch());
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.BlogSearch());
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.ImageSearch());
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.BookSearch());
searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.VideoSearch());
//others
//searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.LocalSearch());
//searchControl.addSearcher(new google.search.PatentSearch());
	
// create a drawOptions object
var drawOptions = new google.search.DrawOptions();
// tell the searcher to draw itself in tabbed mode
drawOptions.setDrawMode(google.search.SearchControl.DRAW_MODE_TABBED);
searchControl.draw(document.getElementById("searchcontrol"), drawOptions);
}
google.setOnLoadCallback(initialize);

The HTML

Type in a search below!

The CSS

/* the width of the controls (keep same as gsc-results for flush look) */
#searchcontrol { width:600px; }
.gsc-control { width:600px; }
/* the width of the search results box; no height value = nice auto look  */
.gsc-results { width:600px; }
/* the width of the search input */
.gsc-input { width:20px; }
/* hide "powered by google" (optional) */
.gsc-branding { display:none; }
/* custom colors */
.gs-title a { color:orange; font-weight:bold; }
#searchcontrol a { color:orange; }

Developers Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google Search API AJAX

What is Google Search API AJAX and how does it work?

Google Search API AJAX is a powerful tool that allows developers to integrate Google’s search functionality into their own websites or applications. It works by sending HTTP requests to Google’s servers and receiving search results in JSON or Atom format. This data can then be parsed and displayed on your website or application, providing users with the ability to search the web or specific websites directly from your platform.

How can I implement Google Search API AJAX in my website?

Implementing Google Search API AJAX in your website involves several steps. First, you need to obtain an API key from Google. This key is used to authenticate your requests. Next, you need to construct the HTTP request with the appropriate parameters, such as the search query and the number of results to return. Finally, you need to send the request and handle the response, parsing the data and displaying the results on your website.

What are the benefits of using Google Search API AJAX?

Using Google Search API AJAX offers several benefits. It allows you to provide users with a familiar and powerful search experience, leveraging Google’s extensive search capabilities. It also gives you control over the presentation of the search results, allowing you to customize the look and feel to match your website or application. Additionally, it can be used to search specific websites or the entire web, depending on your needs.

Are there any limitations or restrictions when using Google Search API AJAX?

Yes, there are some limitations and restrictions when using Google Search API AJAX. For example, there is a limit on the number of requests you can make per day, and exceeding this limit may result in your API key being temporarily blocked. Additionally, the API does not support all of the features available in Google’s standard search interface, such as filtering by date or location.

Can I use Google Search API AJAX for commercial purposes?

Yes, you can use Google Search API AJAX for commercial purposes. However, you must comply with Google’s terms of service, which include restrictions on how the search results can be used and displayed. For example, you must not modify the search results or use them in a way that could be misleading or deceptive.

How can I troubleshoot issues with Google Search API AJAX?

Troubleshooting issues with Google Search API AJAX typically involves checking the error messages returned by the API. These messages can provide clues about what went wrong, such as an invalid API key or a malformed request. Additionally, you can use tools like Postman or curl to test your requests and see the raw response data.

Can I customize the search results returned by Google Search API AJAX?

Yes, you can customize the search results returned by Google Search API AJAX. The API provides several parameters that you can use to control the results, such as the number of results to return, the language of the results, and whether to include adult content. However, you must not modify the actual content of the results, as this would violate Google’s terms of service.

How can I optimize my use of Google Search API AJAX?

Optimizing your use of Google Search API AJAX involves several strategies. For example, you can use the ‘fields’ parameter to limit the amount of data returned by the API, reducing the size of the response and improving performance. You can also cache the results to avoid unnecessary requests, but you must comply with Google’s caching policies.

Is Google Search API AJAX free to use?

Google Search API AJAX is not free to use. It is a paid service, with pricing based on the number of requests you make. However, Google offers a free tier with a limited number of requests per day, which may be sufficient for small websites or applications.

How can I get support for Google Search API AJAX?

Support for Google Search API AJAX is provided through Google’s developer resources, including documentation, tutorials, and forums. You can also contact Google’s support team for assistance with specific issues.