The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Lightspeed search built for devs (Interview)
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Jul 10, 2025 Don MacKinnon, co-founder and CTO of Searchcraft, dives into the future of search technology. He reveals how their Rust-built search engine merges vector embeddings with traditional ranking methods. The conversation touches on efficient search functionalities, the complexities of search relevancy, and the revolutionary impact of AI and LLMs on search capabilities. Don also discusses the evolving landscape of startup branding in the age of automation, emphasizing ethical considerations in tech development and the importance of community-driven feedback in creating user-friendly tools.
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Searchcraft's Origin Story
- Don MacKinnon and his co-founder built Searchcraft because existing search solutions were cumbersome for startups and clients.
- They wanted a fast Rust-based engine that clients could manage without search expertise.
Simplify Search for Developers
- Focus on developer experience and simplify search integration for frontend developers.
- Avoid requiring users to manage complex search clusters or become search experts.
Rust Enables Lightweight Search
- Rust's performance and low memory use allows running a powerful search engine on a single machine.
- This reduces the need for clusters, sharding, and makes maintenance easier for users.
