Aglet

How to investigate slow search with query-shape evidence

A slow-search investigation should explain why one interaction waits longer than its matched comparison. Trace the input contract, request lifecycle, query shape, returned data, and rendering path. Test one focused change while checking that result ordering, filtering, and empty states retain their meaning.

Build a useful investigation brief

  1. Map input events to requests

    List every input event, debounce interval, cancellation decision, request start, and response application for the slow term. Check whether older responses can still update the view. Compare with submit behavior and a fast term to separate excess requests from one expensive request.

  2. Inspect query work and result volume

    Capture the generated query shape, predicates, sort, joins, examined rows, execution time, and returned count where the application exposes those facts. Compare the same fields for the fast term. Keep privacy-sensitive values redacted while preserving enough structure to reproduce selectivity and pagination.

  3. Test one bounded search change

    Choose one experiment such as narrowing an initial field set, adding a supported index, changing pagination boundaries, or preventing obsolete responses from rendering. Replay identical terms and filters, then check latency, result completeness, order, and request count. Reject a faster response that changes search meaning.

What to carry forward

Deliver an investigation brief with request sequence, query-shape comparison, result volume, tested change, and unresolved alternatives. Separate a backend improvement from an input or rendering improvement. Stop when the proposed implementation has a measurable target and verification can check both latency and search correctness.

Keep the decision with the work.

Use a Work Item in Aglet to record the problem, the evidence you have, and the next decision. Add an owner and priority, then keep updates in the discussion so the next person can follow the reasoning.

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