Suchausdruck

Suchausdruck is a German term for a search expression, the input used to locate information within information retrieval systems, databases, or software. It represents the criteria that a system applies to filter and retrieve results, ranging from a simple keyword to a complex query structure.

In practice, Suchausdrucks are interpreted by a query parser or search engine. They can include keywords, boolean operators, parentheses for grouping, quotation marks for phrase searches, and wildcards. Different systems use varying syntax; some work with natural-language input that implies operators, while others require explicit operators and syntax.

Common contexts for Suchausdrucks include web search, database queries, local file-system searches, and application programming interfaces. Examples: a web search like klimawandel AND auswirkungen; a database query using title LIKE '%Klimawandel%'; a file search with *.txt. In advanced search interfaces, users may target specific fields (author:, date:), enable proximity or phrase searching, and apply ranking or filtering options.

Challenges associated with Suchausdrucks include linguistic ambiguity, syntax differences across platforms, and the need to escape special characters. Complex expressions can impact performance and relevance, so users may need to refine their queries, use field restrictions, or switch to more formal query languages for precision.

See also: Suchbegriff, Suchanfrage, Query language, regulärer Ausdruck (Regex).