Forum VB4 Search: FULLTEXT or not FULLTEXT?
 

I've been reading the different threads, CMS articles and blogs on vBulletin. I am VERY confused.

First, this article by IBxAnders mentions that VB4 does NOT use FULLTEXT Search any more. The article vaguely mentions VB building some other indices to support search.

BUT, in this thread about enabling searching for 3-character words, Lynne mentions we have to change the MySQL my.cnf file and "Rebuild Search Index" from VB AdminCP. She also provides a link to MySQL article that says we need to rebuild the FULLTEXT indices. Lynne also mentions that VB does use FULLTEXT search.

Now, if VB is using FULLTEXT search, then why do we need to "Rebuild Search Index" from VB AdminCP? Or does it simply do the same thing as rebuilding the FULLTEXT indices on MySQL. If that is the case, wouldn't it be more efficient for those of us who have SSH access, to get MySQL to do it through the commandline, instead of sitting in front of the PC for hours monitoring the AdminCP rebuilding the search index in case of HTTP timeouts or some other stalls.

Can someone explain exactly how VB4 implements search?
Does VB4 use or not use FULLTEXT search?
If it not does not, then why does changing my.cnf minimum character search limit and hence having to rebuild the MySQL FULLTEXT indices work? And why do we still need to AdminCP => Rebuild Search Index?

If VB has an internal search index, then why is the "Words to be Included Despite Character Limit" list not being used?