Boolean+Logic

=Boolean Searching=

many search engines allow **complex search queries**, or advanced searches, which use special connecting words and symbols called **Boolean** operators

the English language uses **syntax**, a special set of rules, for combining words to form grammatical sentences

search engines use **Boolean logic**, a special mathematical syntax, to perform complex searches

boolean searching refers to a process of identifying those items that contain a particular combination of search terms

Boolean operators instruct the search engine how to interpret your search and expand, narrow, or restrict your search results

it is used to indicate that a particular group of terms must all be present (the Boolean **AND**)

that any one of a particular group of terms is acceptable (the Boolean **OR**)

or that if a particular term is present, the item is rejected (the Boolean **AND NOT**)

most search search engines provide a syntax and don't require you to use these terms because they have menus like the one below

if you choose "all the words" option from a pull-down menu, you are requesting the Boolean **AND**

if you choose the "any of the words" option, you are requesting the Boolean **OR**

if you want some words but not in combination with others, you are using the Boolean **AND NOT**

all search engines have full Boolean capabilities


 * below is an image form the advanced search feature of Google**

many search engines automatically imply the AND so that Prague economics tourism is actually Prague AND economics AND tourism




 * Sources:**


 * ADAM: Boolean Search Tips**
 * []**

The Boolean Machine []

Boolean Searching on the Internet
 * []**

Boolean Logic
 * []**

Boolify** []

Barker, Donald I. and Carol D. Terry //Internet research// Boston, MA: Course Technology, 2009

Hock, Randolph //The extreme searcher's Internet handbook: a guide for the serious searcher// Medford, NJ: CyberAge Books, 2009