SimpleSearch is a website that aggregates a large directory of specialized search engines, presented as a straightforward, uncluttered list. It aims to provide a quick access point for users to find information across various domains, from academic resources and code repositories to specific file types and social media platforms. Rather than relying on a single, general-purpose search engine, SimpleSearch offers a curated collection of tools tailored to different search needs.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: SimpleSearch – Just a list of search bars" introduces a straightforward web application designed to streamline the process of searching across multiple online platforms. The application, accessible at simplesearch.info, presents the user with a clean and uncluttered interface consisting of a vertically arranged collection of search bars. Each search bar is clearly labeled with the name of the specific service it queries, such as Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing, Wikipedia, YouTube, Amazon, and numerous others encompassing a broad range of popular websites and online resources.
This consolidated approach eliminates the need for the user to navigate individually to each website's search page, saving time and effort. Instead, the user can simply enter their desired search term into the appropriate search bar directly on the SimpleSearch page. Upon pressing the "Enter" key or clicking the dedicated search button (if available), the user is seamlessly redirected to the respective website's search results page displaying results for the entered query. The application itself performs no searching function; it merely acts as a gateway, pre-populating the search fields of the target websites. This simplified design emphasizes functionality and ease of use, catering to users who prefer a direct and efficient search experience without superfluous features or distractions. The comprehensive list of integrated search engines covers a wide spectrum of online services, making SimpleSearch a potentially valuable tool for quickly accessing information across the internet.
Summary of Comments ( 17 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42832891
HN users generally praised SimpleSearch for its clean design and utility, particularly for its quick access to various specialized search engines. Several commenters suggested additions, including academic search engines like BASE and PubMed, code-specific search like Sourcegraph, and visual search tools like Google Images. Some discussed the benefits of curated lists versus relying on browser search engines, with a few noting the project's similarity to existing search aggregators. The creator responded to several suggestions and expressed interest in incorporating user feedback. A minor point of contention arose regarding the inclusion of Google, but overall the reception was positive, with many appreciating the simplicity and convenience offered by the site.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: SimpleSearch – Just a list of search bars" at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42832891 generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the utility and potential improvements of the SimpleSearch tool.
Several commenters praised the simplicity and directness of the tool. One user appreciated its no-nonsense approach, contrasting it with the bloat and complexity of many modern websites. They highlighted the benefit of having a single page dedicated to various search engines, especially for users who frequently switch between them. Another echoed this sentiment, expressing a preference for the clean and uncluttered design.
A common theme in the discussion revolved around expanding the list of included search engines. Suggestions included adding specialized search engines for academic papers, code repositories like GitHub, and specific niche communities. One commenter specifically requested the addition of searx, a metasearch engine known for its privacy focus. The creator of SimpleSearch actively responded to these suggestions, indicating a willingness to consider incorporating them.
Beyond adding more search engines, users also proposed improvements to the site's functionality. One suggestion involved implementing keyboard navigation to quickly switch between different search bars. Another user suggested a feature to save user preferences, such as preferred search engines or default search terms. The ability to customize the order of the search engines was also mentioned as a desirable feature.
A few commenters touched on the technical aspects of the site. One questioned the choice of client-side rendering and suggested potential benefits of server-side rendering. Another raised concerns about accessibility for users with disabilities.
While generally positive, some comments offered constructive criticism. One user pointed out the similarity to existing search engine aggregators and questioned the site's unique value proposition. Another noted the lack of visual distinction between the different search bars, which could lead to accidental usage of the wrong engine.
Overall, the comments reflect a generally positive reception to SimpleSearch, appreciating its minimalistic design and focusing on suggestions for improvement and expansion of its functionality and search engine coverage. The creator's engagement with the commenters further suggests an active development and responsiveness to user feedback.