Ranked Search for Semi-Structured Data
We’ve been working on a search problem that requires querying both text and numbers simultaneously. For example, in a dataset of clothing items with descriptions and prices, a search for “slim pants for $20” should prioritize skinny jeans for $25 over slim pants for $50 because they are semantically similar and the price is closer. I’ve found that standard embedding models struggle with numerical ordering, while text-to-SQL methods rely on exact matches and often filter out too many results. To solve this, we built a system designed specifically for structured datasets like CSVs or tables.…
In plain words
Ranked Search for Semi-Structured Data is a search tool designed for querying datasets like CSVs and tables that contain both text and numerical values. It addresses limitations in standard embedding models and text-to-SQL approaches by processing each column independently, using embeddings for text and custom scoring for numbers. This allows searches like "slim pants for $20" to return semantically similar results with prices closer to the target value, rather than exact matches or over-filtered results. The tool is aimed at developers and data teams working with structured data.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
We’ve been working on a search problem that requires querying both text and numbers simultaneously. For example, in a dataset of clothing items with descriptions and prices, a search for “slim pants for $20” should prioritize skinny jeans for $25 over slim pants for $50 because they are semantically similar and the price is closer. I’ve found that standard embedding models struggle with numerical ordering, while text-to-SQL methods rely on exact matches and often filter out too many results. To solve this, we built a system designed specifically for structured datasets like CSVs or tables. Here’s a demo link where you can upload a small CSV to try out (no login required): https://demo.tryvoker.com. Unlike most RAG approaches, we process each column independently, handling text with embeddings and numbers with custom scoring. When a user submits a query, we parse it into relevant fields—for instance, extracting “slim pants” as the description and “20” as the price. We then compute cosine similarity between the description embeddings and “slim pants” while also calculating the percent error between the user’s price input and the numerical field. These individual similarity scores are then combined across all columns to generate a final ranking. Right now, our system works best with well-structured data, so some preprocessing is often needed. We’re working on improving this by detecting and restructuring messy data automatically, such as pivoting columns or extracting attributes from large text fields. We’re also adding feedback mechanisms, like a thumbs up/down system, to refine future search results based on user input. I’d love to hear about your experiences with similar search challenges and would appreciate any feedback!
More dev tools this month
the category →
Open-source GTM skills for technical founders
Dev tools · 29d ago · gtmcofounder.com
OpenTrailPaper is open-source bike computer firmware for the LilyGO T5S3 4.7" E-Paper PRO. It supports offline maps, GPX routes, FIT recording and Bluetooth sensors.
Dev tools · 2d ago · opentrailpaper.com
Launched alongside, February 2025
the whole month →
Screen Studio 3.0▲1,833Beautiful screen recordings with instant shareable links
Growth · 2025 · screen.studio
- IG
I was at FB/Meta from late 2013 to early 2023, mostly working in the compiler/runtime spaces. I got hit in the spring 2023 layoff wave. I immediately started making games in my newfound free time (a lifelong interest, and I even worked in AA(A?) back ca. ~2000), and in October 2023 I stumbled upon the idea of a roguelike pachinko/plinko game inspired by Luck Be A Landlord. Things snowballed quickly, I started talking to publishers, then worked like crazy through all of 2024, almost the hardest I've ever worked in my career, and launched the game in December 2024. It's sold…
Work · 2025
- IB
i wanted to change the habit of reaching for my phone in the morning and doomscrolling away an hour so i built an app to help me. now i have to literally touch grass before accessing my most distracting apps the app is built in swiftui, uses the screen time apis provided by apple and google vision to recognise grass or not i'd love to get your thoughts on the concept.
Life & fun · 2025 · touchgrass.now