Posts Tagged ‘ support

About Boolean: A Primer in Boolean Logic

Boolean Searching on the Internet

A Primer in Boolean Logic

The Internet is a vast computer database. As such, its contents must be searched according to the rules of computer database searching. Much database searching is based on the principles of Boolean logic. Boolean logic refers to the logical relationship among search terms, and is named for the British-born Irish mathematician George Boole.

On Internet search engines, the options for constructing logical relationships among search terms often modify the traditional practice of Boolean searching. This will be covered in the section below.

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Boolean Basics

Boolean Searching

Introduction to Boolean “operators”

When searching a database, first think of keywords that best describe your topic. Then combine these keywords using Boolean “operators” to broaden or narrow your search.

The Boolean operators are:

and

or

not

They determine how the computer searches for your keywords, and what information is returned to you.

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About Boolean

Where does the term Boolean originate from?

Boolean searching is built on a method of symbolic logic developed by George Boole, a 19th century English mathematician. Most online databases and search engines support Boolean searches. Boolean search techniques can be used to carry out effective searches, cutting out many unrelated documents.

Is Boolean Search Complicated?

Using Boolean Logic to broaden and/or narrow your search is not as complicated as it sounds; in fact, you might already be doing it. Boolean logic is just the term used to describe certain logical operations that are used to combine search terms in many search engine databases and directories on the Net. It’s not rocket science, but it sure sounds fancy (try throwing this phrase out in common conversation!).

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