Our client has a database (actually CSV file) with a "Grade" column that contains a "grade range string" of grades that a book is suitable for. Examples might be:

"K-3"

"4-8"

"PreK-2"

"PreK-K"

"3-12"

etc.

In general, this is a "numeric range" where "K" = "0" and "PreK" = "-1".

Ideally, they would like visitors to type "2" in a "Grade" filter and include items with ranges such as "K-3".

I've told them that one way to do this is to make "Min. Grade" and "Max. Grade" columns and just use numbers. Then wpDataTables can handle this with standard features.

They have asked me to investigate with you the possibility of creating a custom filter type (e.g. "grade range") that would do what they want in a single column. Do you see a reasonable path toward doing this? Is this something we could pay you to develop? Or would you support us with a few pointers in the right direction?

Thanks in advance for your help with this!

Another possible path would be to have a hidden column with all the choices enumerated (e.g. "K, 1, 2" or "3, 4, 5, 6, 7") and then a displayed column with the ranges (e.g. "K-2" or "3-7"). Then the trick is just having the displayed column filter operate on the enumerated column's data. Not sure that's any easier, but maybe.