mysql - PHP Query multiple search -

for php sql search query, have 5 different search criteria (from important least).

for example:

1. (most important): name
2. area
3. color
4. shape
5. (least important): time

for query, have following:

$ajax_data = $_post['data'];  $name      = $ajax_data [0];  $area      = $ajax_data [1];  $color     = $ajax_data [2];  $shape     = $ajax_data [3];  $time      = $ajax_data [4];   $option  = "where name = '$name' , area = '$area' , color = '$color' , shape = '$shape' , time = '$time'"; //not complete $query   = "select * $table $option limit 10; 

here trying do.

using 5 criteria (name, area, color, shape , time), want query search find related data, meaning should match search criteria best results.

for example, following search criteria sent via ajax:

ajax search criteria: earth, canada, white, square, today 

then, want query search identical criteria.

however, there occasions identical data not exist.

in scenario doesn't, want remove least important criteria , search , on till have 10 results.

any suggestions how can write query this?

could try approach build numeric field in table keeps track of number of matches, order descending on field , apply limit @ results?

apologies pseudocode, should enough give idea.

$option  = "where name = '$name' , area = '$area' , color = '$color' , shape = '$shape' , time = '$time'"; //not complete $order = "order matchquality desc";   $query   = "select *, if(name = '$name', 1, 0) + if(area = '$area', 1, 0) + if(color = '$color', 1, 0) + if(shape = '$shape', 1, 0) + if(time = '$time', 1, 0) matchquality $table $option $order limit 10;"; 

let me know if have further requirements.

regards,

james