1. Search Engine:
A search engine, as the name suggests, is defined as an application designed to carry out web searches and enables users to locate information on WWW. Search engines are machine-driven and are used to find resources such as web pages, Usenet forums, videos, etc., assigned to individual words.
Examples: Yahoo search, ASN, Live search, Google search, etc.
2. Subject Directory:
Subject Directory, as the name suggests, is defined as a collection of websites that include organized browsable subject categories and subcategories. Directories are human-driven and therefore can deliver higher quality content. They are considered best for browsing and searching of more general nature and may include a search engine for searching their database.
Examples: Yahoo directory, Open directory, Google directory, etc.
Difference between Search Engine and Subject Directory:
| S. No. | Parameters | Search Engine | Subject Directory |
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| 1. | Basics | It is an online tool that is used to locate or search for information on WWW. | It is an online database of websites and online information set up by subject and category. |
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| 2. | Maintained and reviewed | It is generally maintained and reviewed by computer robotics. | It is created, maintained, and reviewed by human editors or experts. |
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| 3. | Allows users | It allows users to find or locate information on the internet using phrases and keywords. | It allows users to find or locate information on the internet using hierarchy. |
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| 4. | Search and Display | It locates and displays relevant information based on formulas and algorithms using an automated software program. | Directories are organized by human beings who discover new websites and relevant information by exploring the internet themselves and by reviewing submitted websites. |
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| 5. | Usage | They are used mainly for research, shopping, and entertainment. | They are used mainly to search broad topics, current events, organization or business homepages, etc. |
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| 6. | Size | They are bigger than directories as it includes billions of web pages. | They tend to be smaller than search engine databases. |
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| 7. | Application | It is considered good to look for specific or complex information and its advanced features allow to refine the search and improve results. | It is considered best if one wants to browse broad topics and it can give a good idea about the amount and type of web-based information on the topic. |
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| 8. | Searching by user | User search content or information on database of search engine. | User search only websites included and identified by directory. |
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| 9. | Indexing of website | In order to index a Website, search engines automatically collect information about it. | Directories demand that a Website submission be listed in the directory. |
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| 10. | Listing | A search engine automatically lists regardless of content quality. Search engines employ specific algorithms to filter and deliver the most relevant and valuable information to users. | To assure quality, websites must meet certain requirements before being featured in a directory, |
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| 11. | Fees | Search engines do not charge a fee to publishers. | Some directories charge a fee for listing in their directory. |
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