Wikia Launches WISE Search Application Framework to Create Massive Mashups

Wikia has announced the launch of a search application framework today. The framework is called "Wikia Intelligent Search Extensions" or WISE. Developers create search applications named WISEApp(s). From the documentation: there are two main components to a WISEApp — (i) the application definition object and (ii) the javascript file which contains the actual code executed for the application. You will need to create both for your WISEApp to function properly.

While on the surface this might look like a replacement for Google’s site search or other local search tools, Wikia’s WISE is more of a developer complement. WISE could be used to create some VERY large and powerful mashups. You can combine the search with other APIs including Yahoo’s BOSS search API. There’s a developer’s guide to help you get startup working with WISE.

Here’s a sample application from the presidential debates.

Wikia’s Search remains a community-edited search index. The basic idea is if you know a better result for a search query, you can add it instantly instead of recommending it like you have to on other mainstream search engines.

Launch partners include NY-based Snooth, Digg, Last.fm, AccuWeather and the Washington Post. The Vaynerchuk brothers’ startup PleaseDress.Me is also using this new WISE search application framework for their tshirt search engine. I was able to grab some screenshots of some of the current apps and they are displayed below.

Check out Wikia’s launch in August of their "evolution toolbar" and all of our Wikia coverage.