Regular expressions with google web search

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the capabilities of Google web search in handling regular expressions, particularly in the context of searching for strings that include numeric values between specific words. Participants explore the limitations of Google search and suggest alternative search strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether Google web search can accept regular expressions to find strings with numbers between two words, using the example "vehicle runs at XXX km/h".
  • Another participant notes that using the search term "vehicle runs at *** km/h" returns results that include variations of the phrase, suggesting that the asterisks represent separate words.
  • Some participants assert that Google’s search engine is limited in its capabilities, which may affect the ability to perform complex searches.
  • There is mention of the ".." operator, which creates a numeric search range, and examples are provided to illustrate its use.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability of technical data in a format suitable for Google to find, suggesting that alternative search phrases may yield more relevant results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of Google search for this purpose, with some agreeing on its limitations while others propose alternative strategies. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential lack of suitable formatting for technical data online and the unresolved nature of how regular expressions could be effectively utilized within Google search.

serbring
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Hi all,

Cam google web search accepet regular expressions? Especially, I need to search strings with any number between two words, for example: "vehicle runs at XXX km/h".

Thank you
 
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"vehicle runs at *** km/h" returns entries containing

vehicle runs at less than 60 km/h
Vehicle runs at speed of 70 km/h

and so on
 
DrSteve said:
"vehicle runs at *** km/h" returns entries containing

vehicle runs at less than 60 km/h
Vehicle runs at speed of 70 km/h

and so on

Three * means you are searching for three separate words. Indeed, both "less than 60" and "spee of 70" contain three words.
This is a straightforward case, because "*" followed by a unit (km/h) push the "*" to be a number.
Borek said:
As far as I know - no. Actually google engine is quite limited - it has to, to be so fast.

https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433?hl=en

Thank you. I haven't found that list. But I think it might be solved by forcing a reasonable number range. As example:
"Engine runs *"-> 150'000 results
"Engine runs 1800..2500" -> 10'000 results and "engine runs" is actually followed by numbers.

Thanks
 
The .. operator creates a numeric search range .

eg Cameras £50..£300

Problem is that not much online technical data will be in a suitable format for Google to find .

Using search formats like ' Effect of speed on engine performance ' or ' drag on vehicles at high speed ' will usually generate much more information but you will then have to sift it manually .

http://www.googleguide.com/advanced_operators_reference.html
 
Nidum said:
The .. operator creates a numeric search range .

eg Cameras £50..£300

Problem is that not much online technical data will be in a suitable format for Google to find .

Using search formats like ' Effect of speed on engine performance ' or ' drag on vehicles at high speed ' will usually generate much more information but you will then have to sift it manually .

http://www.googleguide.com/advanced_operators_reference.html

Thanks,
you're on right and the link is really precious
 

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