Keyword Search: A Syntax for the Web
Brilliant post by Ian Westcott from the Barbarian group,
outlining the hidden but immensely powerful/useful custom search method for Mozilla browsers (similar functionality is included in the ‘keywurl’ plugin for Safari) -
Summed up:
Bookmark a search results page
Replace the search string in the bookmarked url with ‘%s’
Assign a keyword to the bookmark (eg. wp for wikipedia)
you can then use the keyword as a search ‘preposition’ in the locationbar. (so instead of typing the wikipedia address and then searching, i’d type ‘wp velociraptors’ in the location bar and would be taken to the wikipedia article for velociraptors)
The technique is infinitely expandable as documented by Ian, for methods such as tracking courier parcels, or even getting google map directions. Also, this looks like a nice and speedier alternative to the (now stalled) mozilla ubiquity project.
update
Max Wheeler brings up the point that this functionality is already available via the host of launch applications available (shortwave, quix, launchbar et al.) - I figured i’d mention this alternative as a leaner method that integrates more closely with the browser experience, without requiring an additional 3rd party software. The bookmark method also shines if you are using a bookmark syncing service to sync your custom search terms between computers.
Source: feedproxy.google.com
1 Notes/ Hide
-
makenosound said:
There are a number of other tools out there for achieving the same functionality. I used to use Shaun Inman’s Shortwave, though Quix looks a bit more advanced. Also the launchers, Afred and Launchbar offer support for this syntax outside the browser.
-
reconfine posted this
