Nexus Now Supports OpenSearch Standard

The new Sonatype Nexus Repository 1.3.4 release adds an exciting new feature: OpenSearch.

The OpenSearch is a common framework to define and interact with search capabilities. This usually means the search boxes built into modern browsers. With this functionality in Sonatype Nexus Repository, you can now search artifacts (from your instance or ours) just by entering the search terms into your browser search field.

Let's take a look at how to set this up.

First browse to a Nexus 1.3.4+ instance such as repository.sonatype.org or repository.apache.org. In IE or FF, click on the drop down next to the search box.

In FF, select "Add Nexus", in IE, Select "Add Search Provider -> Nexus". This will make it possible to search this Sonatype Nexus Repository instance by simply selecting it in the dropdown. This works even when you aren't currently browsed to Nexus.

Once you've selected Nexus as the search provider, enter your search term and hit enter.