Mastering the FAST for SharePoint (FS4SP) 2010 Query Tool involves understanding how to build, test, and troubleshoot complex search behaviors outside of the standard SharePoint user interface. Originally developed as an open-source utility (often associated with CodePlex and later migrated to GitHub), this tool acts as a dedicated developer console. It allows administrators and developers to bypass the rigid SharePoint Search SQL syntax and tap into the powerful FAST Query Language (FQL). 1. Leverage the FAST Query Language (FQL) Tab
Standard SharePoint searches rely on standard keyword or SQL syntax, but the Query Tool unlocks full access to FQL. This allows you to construct highly advanced, precise logic strings.
Master the Syntax: Use FQL operators like and, or, not, any, and string.
Control Content Boosting: Utilize the XRANK and RANK operators to dynamically change result relevance at query time based on specific conditions.
Filter by Managed Properties: Run precise filters using the format property:value to immediately isolate specific crawled metadata. 2. View and Inspect Raw XML Payloads
One of the most powerful features of the Query Tool is its ability to reveal exactly what is happening “under the hood”.
Extract Web Service Code: Look at the top of the search screen to find the raw XML payload transmitted to the SharePoint Query Web Service.
Port Code to Applications: You can copy this exact XML string directly out of the application and paste it into your custom C#, F#, or PowerShell scripts to replicate the exact query behavior programmatically. 3. Debug Metadata, Refinements, and Sorting
The tool provides multiple grids at the bottom of its interface to help you analyze how data is being processed.
Inspect the Refinements Grid: Check the Include Refinements checkbox on the Queries tab. This populates a dedicated grid showing the deep or shallow refiner aggregation statistics returned by FAST.
Validate Custom Sorting: Test specialized formulas, such as 3-D Euclidean distance sorting or bucket-rounding expressions, to verify that your custom rank profiles display documents in the correct sequential order.
Audit Document Specifics: Use the main result set table to view specific FAST managed properties (like fcoid for collapsed duplicates or ServerRedirectedUrl for thumbnail previews) to ensure your index schema is working correctly. 4. Test Administrative “Keyword Management” Rules
FAST for SharePoint 2010 relies heavily on server-side configurations to optimize user experiences. You can use the tool to simulate user contexts.