GtkSearchEntry: GTK+ 4 Reference Manual

## GtkSearchEntry GtkSearchEntry — An entry which shows a search icon |

## Functions

GtkWidget * | gtk_search_entry_new ()
gboolean | gtk_search_entry_handle_event ()

## Types and Values

struct | GtkSearchEntry

## Includes

    #include <gtk/gtk.h>

## Description

GtkSearchEntry is a subclass of GtkEntry that has been tailored for use as a search entry.

It will show an inactive symbolic “find” icon when the search entry is empty, and a symbolic “clear” icon when there is text. Clicking on the “clear” icon will empty the search entry.

Note that the search/clear icon is shown using a secondary icon, and thus does not work if you are using the secondary icon position for some other purpose.

To make filtering appear more reactive, it is a good idea to not react to every change in the entry text immediately, but only after a short delay. To support this, GtkSearchEntry emits the “search-changed” signal which can be used instead of the “changed” signal.

The “previous-match”, “next-match” and “stop-search” signals can be used to implement moving between search results and ending the search.

Often, GtkSearchEntry will be fed events by means of being placed inside a GtkSearchBar. If that is not the case, you can use `gtk_search_entry_handle_event()` to pass events.

## Functions

### gtk_search_entry_new ()

    GtkWidget *
    gtk_search_entry_new (void);

Creates a GtkSearchEntry, with a find icon when the search field is empty, and a clear icon when it isn't.

#### Returns

a new GtkSearchEntry

Since: 3.6

### gtk_search_entry_handle_event ()

    gboolean
    gtk_search_entry_handle_event (GtkSearchEntry *entry,
                                   GdkEvent *event);

This function should be called when the top-level window which contains the search entry received a key event. If the entry is part of a GtkSearchBar, it is preferable to call `gtk_search_bar_handle_event()` instead, which will reveal the entry in addition to passing the event to this function.

If the key event is handled by the search entry and starts or continues a search, `GDK_EVENT_STOP` will be returned. The caller should ensure that the entry is shown in this case, and not propagate the event further.

#### Parameters

entry | a GtkSearchEntry |
event | a key event |

#### Returns

`GDK_EVENT_STOP` if the key press event resulted in a search beginning or continuing, `GDK_EVENT_PROPAGATE` otherwise.

Since: 3.16

## Types and Values

### struct GtkSearchEntry

    struct GtkSearchEntry {
      GtkEntry parent;
    };