metasearchtyökalut

Metasearch tools, also known as meta search engines or metasearchers, are a type of search engine that aggregates results from multiple other search engines. Instead of crawling the web independently, metasearch tools send user queries to a variety of individual search engines and then compile and present the combined results. This process allows users to access a broader range of information than a single search engine might provide.

The core functionality of a metasearch tool involves sending a query to several underlying search engines simultaneously. These engines then return their respective results, which the metasearch tool processes. This processing often includes de-duplicating identical results, ranking them based on a proprietary algorithm, and presenting them in a unified interface. Some metasearch tools also offer features like filtering by category, location, or price, particularly in specialized areas like travel or shopping.

One of the primary advantages of using metasearch tools is increased search coverage. By drawing from multiple sources, they can potentially uncover pages or information that might be missed by a single engine. This can be particularly useful for niche topics or when seeking diverse perspectives. However, the quality and relevance of results can vary, as they are dependent on the performance of the underlying search engines. Metasearch tools are commonly found in travel booking (flight and hotel aggregators) and price comparison shopping, where they are indispensable for finding the best deals across various retailers.