/search?

So, I have recently started playing again, but I am been stumped.
I have a friend who also plays, but I cannot find out how to actually find him lol.

Does FF14 have a /search function like FFXI where I can just search for him and see where he is and /tell him easily?

Do I have to type the entire name to find him, or can I type like the first 3 letters and everyone who has a name that starts with those first 3 is shown in a list?

Any help is appreciated!

I'm guessing the lack of response means there is no player search function?

Nope there's no /sea command in the game.

You can add your friend to your friend's list, but even then you can't tell where they are. You can however easily send tells and invites by doing so.