A search engine is a software program that helps people find the information they are looking for online using keywords or phrases. Show
Search engines are able to return results quickly—even with millions of websites online—by scanning the Internet continuously and indexing every page they find. When a user enters a search term, the search engine looks at the website page titles, contents and keywords it has indexed and uses algorithms (step-by-step operations) to produce a list of sites—with the most relevant websites at the top of the list. Companies use search engine optimization (SEO) to help search engines recognize their websites as highly relevant to particular searches. Popular search engines include Google, Bing and Yahoo. Definition & Examples of a Search EngineDilok Klaisataporn / EyeEm / Getty Images A search engine is an internet program that collects and organizes content according to a user's query. For instance, a person who performs a search engine search for "restaurants near me" would (ideally) see a list of websites that belong to restaurants in that person's area. While search engines are extremely complex programs, it isn't hard to understand the basic concepts that drive them. Here's how search engines work and some examples of the most popular search engines people use. What Is a Search Engine?A search engine is a cornerstone of the internet. For many, a search engine is their starting place whenever they open a web browser. If you don't know the exact address of a website you want to visit—or if you don't know the exact website you want to find—you'll use a search engine to find it. At its heart, a search engine is simply an internet-based computer program. There are three main functions of this program: collecting massive amounts of information about what is on the internet, categorizing that information, and helping users search through that categorized information. How Does a Search Engine Work?To start understanding how search engines work, break down each of its three main functions individually. First, search engines collect information through a process known as "crawling." "Web crawlers," software designed by the search engine, methodically inspect URLs. These crawlers take in information from hundreds of billions of websites, assessing aspects of a website like the backend code and the copy that visitors read when they land on the webpage. From there, the information is indexed according to keywords, how recently the site was published, and other factors. Once the information is indexed, users can search through that index by typing a query into the search bar. These searches trigger complex algorithms that sift through the massive index to find the most relevant results. When you submit a query, the algorithm simultaneously assesses the meaning of your query, the relevance of indexed webpages, the quality of the content on those webpages, the functionality of those webpages, and the context of your search (the location from which you performed the search, your search history, etc.). Motivations Behind Search EnginesIt's helpful to look at the motivation behind searching from three different perspectives.
It's all about the content of the page matching what the searcher wants, which makes them happy so they return to the same search engine next time, which makes the engine happy. When a searcher finds a website they like, that website is happy because it is receiving more traffic from potential customers. Most Popular Search EnginesBy all measurements, Google is the most popular search engine, and its name has become synonymous with performing search engine queries ("Googling" something). However, it isn't the only search engine. Internet users have plenty of options. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular search engines by market share, as recorded by NetMarketShare in July 20200:
While searchers should feel free to explore their options, businesses and marketers should pay attention to which search engines are the most popular. There's no use spending all your advertising budget on a search engine that is hardly used. Search Engine OptimizationSearch engine optimization (SEO) is the act of trying to improve a website's performance on a search engine. For businesses that want to effectively use their website to drive sales, a solid SEO strategy is crucial. If your website doesn't land on the first few pages of a relevant search engine result, then it's unlikely that a customer will find your site through that search engine. For example, if you run a real estate business in Miami, Florida, you want to focus your SEO efforts on ensuring that your site appears when people search "real estate in Miami" on a search engine. Key Takeaways
What is the program that allows you to find information on the Internet?A web browser is a type of software that allows you to find and view websites on the Internet. Even if you didn't know it, you're using a web browser right now to read this page! There are many different web browsers, but some of the most common ones include Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox.
What program helps the user to find information on the Internet easier?A search engine is a software program that helps people find the information they are looking for online using keywords or phrases.
What is an example of a computer program?MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc., are examples of computer programs. Computer programs are being used to develop graphics and special effects in movie making.
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