Multiple variable search, some empty

[stevebob]

I have a database drivensite and need to add an 'advanced search' function to it. The code below seems to work, but only if I have selected a value for each of the variables. If any are left empty then the results page shows no results. Is there a way to have the results show even if one variable has had no value. I have tried using for example and 'all genres' option on the search with a value of '0' or '-1' but this does not seem to work.

SELECT *
FROM performers
WHERE gender = 'colname' AND genre LIKE '%colgenre%' AND voicetype LIKE '%colvoice'
ORDER BY name ASC


Also, I am using drop-down lists at the moment. How can I set up the search to use multiple checkboxes for 'genre' and search for ANY of the selected - e.g. if you tick 'documentary' and 'corporate' it will look for both of those values in the 'genre' column, as well as the other variables.

Hope you can help. I am new to database driven sites and this project has snowballed!

[moberemk]

Since you're posting in the Dreamweaver section, I'll assume that you are using Dreamweaver. If you are open to buying an extension, there is always the [a href=\"http://www.interaktonline.com/\" target=\"_blank\"]interAKT[/a] Site Search extension you could use.

[stevebob]

Thanks.
Does the extensiion work for only searches where you type in the variables? Or can it be configured for drop-down menus / checkboxes?

Is there a way to do this without shelling out for an extenstion?

[moberemk]

If there is, then I'm not the one to tell you. Sorry for not being able to help you with this.