# Algolia Search

> Expert patterns for Algolia search implementation, indexing strategies, React InstantSearch, and relevance tuning Use when: adding search to, algolia, instantsearch, search api, search functionality.

- Skill: `rootcastleco/algolia-search` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add rootcastleco/algolia-search`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/rootcastleco/algolia-search/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Web & Frontend
- Author: rootcastleco (https://skillmd.com/u/rootcastleco)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/rootcastleco/algolia-search

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# Algolia Search Integration

## Patterns

### React InstantSearch with Hooks

Modern React InstantSearch setup using hooks for type-ahead search.

Uses react-instantsearch-hooks-web package with algoliasearch client.
Widgets are components that can be customized with classnames.

Key hooks:
- useSearchBox: Search input handling
- useHits: Access search results
- useRefinementList: Facet filtering
- usePagination: Result pagination
- useInstantSearch: Full state access


### Next.js Server-Side Rendering

SSR integration for Next.js with react-instantsearch-nextjs package.

Use <InstantSearchNext> instead of <InstantSearch> for SSR.
Supports both Pages Router and App Router (experimental).

Key considerations:
- Set dynamic = 'force-dynamic' for fresh results
- Handle URL synchronization with routing prop
- Use getServerState for initial state


### Data Synchronization and Indexing

Indexing strategies for keeping Algolia in sync with your data.

Three main approaches:
1. Full Reindexing - Replace entire index (expensive)
2. Full Record Updates - Replace individual records
3. Partial Updates - Update specific attributes only

Best practices:
- Batch records (ideal: 10MB, 1K-10K records per batch)
- Use incremental updates when possible
- partialUpdateObjects for attribute-only changes
- Avoid deleteBy (computationally expensive)


## ⚠️ Sharp Edges

| Issue | Severity | Solution |
|-------|----------|----------|
| Issue | critical | See docs |
| Issue | high | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |
| Issue | medium | See docs |

## When to Use
This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.

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> 🏰 **Rei Skills** — Curated by [Rootcastle Engineering & Innovation](https://www.rootcastle.com) | Batuhan Ayrıbaş  
> Engineering Beyond Boundaries | admin@rootcastle.com