So, I tried CakePHP Search Plugin on my current project that I am creating for an e-commerce website.

The search plugin is an easy way to include search into your application. Using this plugin you will able to have paginable search in any controller. Plugin support simple methods to search inside models using strict and non-strict comparing, but also allows you to implement any complex type of searching.

I’ve search my products table and id use the following types parameter.

• like, This type of search used when you need to search using ‘LIKE’ sql keyword.
• value, This type of search very usefull when you need exact compare. So if you have select box in your view as a filter than you definetely should use value type.

Overall, it is a great plugin. Although, it did not fit my current requirements for now. .  But, I will definitely use it in my future projects.

Have a look here: http://cakedc.com/downloads/view/cakephp_search_plugin