Dorking: the use of search engines to find very specific data (alec.fyi)

Article summary

The article discusses the use of advanced search operators on Google, known as 'dorking', to find specific data and information. It provides examples of how to use these operators to find webpages, emails, files, and other information. The article aims to democratize access to these techniques, which are often used by professionals in fields such as SEO and cybersecurity. By using these operators, users can refine their search results and find more accurate information.

Main themes

• Advanced search operators
• Google search algorithms
• Information retrieval
• SEO and cybersecurity
• Search engine alternatives
• Precision search skills
• Online research techniques

What commenters say

• Google's lack of documentation on advanced search operators is a deliberate choice to encourage users to rely on natural language queries.
• The use of advanced search operators is becoming more necessary as Google's algorithms increasingly ignore parts of search queries.
• Some users argue that Google's prioritization of ads and filtered results over precise search results is a major drawback.
• Others believe that the art of precision search should be taught at a primary level as a necessary skill.
• There is a need for an 'anti-seo search engine' that eschews results oriented around selling products and allows for more precise searches.
• The effectiveness of advanced search operators has decreased over time due to Google's algorithms and the SEO arms race.
• Some users have found alternative search engines, such as DuckDuckGo, to be more effective for certain types of searches.
• The use of advanced search operators can be applied to various fields, including research, journalism, and programming, and can be a valuable skill for professionals.