Techniques for constructing and editing a search query using an overload cell

Abstract

A technique utilizes a search query having a set of clauses. The technique involves displaying, by a processor, the set of clauses of the search query onto an electronic display. Each clause includes a selection cell describing a selectable operation. The technique further involves receiving, by the processor, a mouse click input from a mouse apparatus. The mouse click input includes coordinates identifying a location that resides within the selection cell of a particular clause. The technique further involves change, by the processor, the selectable operation described by the selection cell of the particular clause between an editing operation and a Boolean operation in response to the mouse click input. Such a technique minimizes user typing and navigation demands, and offers a compact format and considerable power and flexibility when constructing and/or editing a search query.