Google Hacks: 3rd Edition

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Google has made a name for itself for the computer and Internet industry. Making itself as the premier search engine on the web, Google gradually made searching a better tool for finding and using information through its unique characteristics. Games were created with it (ex. "Google watching" ) ; vocabulary was invented to define methods and activities (ex."Googling") and more uses abound.

In April 2002, Google API was created giving programmers a way to access the Google Search results with automatic tool queries. The computers were more able to create further instant made opportunities for organizing and visually demonstrating what the information could show.In that way, these new Google Api tools helped people in the way they approached, observed and utilized information.

The authors have combined forces to write a well written book. Dornfest is a Chief Technology Officer at O'Reilly media and has contributed or co-authored many technology books. Bausch is an independent web developer and helped to create the very popular weblog application Blogger while Calishain is a magazine writer, editor of ResearchBuzz and has been writing about search engines since 1996. There are also a host of other authors who have contributed their hacks and writings to produce interesting exercises for those interested in doing more with Google. They obviously have a great background and are passionate about their Googling and application usage.

The 100 exercises, written throughout the chapters, apply to many mapping situations and Google oriented endeavors. These include examples as each shows the code and additional information. The eight chapter s are nicely organized. The first chapter starts with the Web and describes the fundamentals. There are tips and tricks for searching all sorts of specific hard to find information with proven solid techniques. Advanced Wed (chapter 2) demonstrates advanced web techniques to deepen your searches. News and Blogs (chapter 3) are the emphasis here for gathering more information with new Google tools. Chapter 5, Google Maps, helps learning about Google Maps while it's web mail service, Gmail (chapter 6) explores the web mail service. With Webmastering (chapter 7), user learn further about the web ranking of webpages. Learn about API (Google Search's Application Programming Interface) used in the hacks in this chapter. Finally the Appendix assists with tracking news about Google.

The instructions and information are clearly written, informative and understandable. There are few illustrations and the chapters mostly include text and scripts. But the authors try to ease you into the use of various programming languages and using the codes needed . It can be a little daunting. Even the "Hack" related information using perl language and the scripts for the application hacks are defined in a a very understandable manner. The book details how to “hack the scripts” but also gives information about the alternative method of downloading the codes for all of the hacks at an online site area (I am thankful for that ). I really liked that there was little guesswork where to find the information and what to do, unlike another book I found. While it still takes some programming and understanding, the guided step-by-steps help in making the concepts and the tutorials manageable. Even though I am a novice, in time I think I can proceed through some of the chapter. Some with more expertise may have an easier time.

Googling with code is new territory for me and many others. So I was glad to so see that these authors have done a great job in integrating a lot of information while simplifying the process and starting out with the basics. The book and the authors did not leave me “stranded”. While I am still trying in the learning phase, I can “see” the possibilities for applying Google, the API related information and Hacks. You have to start somewhere and this book has some good places to start.

This book has given me a better understanding how to advanced my skills with mapping and Google. It did not leave me “stranded” like another book. It is only a matter of time before I take more time to sit down with the information and try to absorb and apply the information. The same may be for you and your needs. At least it will give you more information about Google, search engines and better internet search techniques. The book may help you start you on the road to advanced Googling. Give it a try and see what you can do.