ANNOUNCE: WWW::Search, a Perl API for web search engines
John Heidemann (johnh@isi.edu)
Mon, 14 Oct 1996 17:10:46 -0700
[This is a copy of a post sent to comp.lang.perl.announce four days
ago. I'm copying it to libwww-perl because it seems relevant and the
clpa post seems much delayed. I'm not on the LWP mailing list, so
please CC me in any e-mailed responses.]
WHAT IS WWW::Search?
--------------------
WWW::Search is a collection of Perl modules which provide an API to
WWW search engines like AltaVista, Lycos, Hotbot, WebCrawler, and so
on. Currently WWW::Search includes the generic library, a back-end for
AltaVista, and a small demonstration program to drive the library.
Back-ends for other search engines and more sophisticated clients are
currently under development.
WWW::Search requires Perl5 and libwww-perl. For information on Perl5,
see http://www.perl.com. For libwww-perl, see
http://www.sn.no/libwww-perl/. Both are also available from the
Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN). Visit
http://www.perl.com/CPAN/ to find a CPAN site near you.
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF WWW::Search?
----------------------------------
This is the first release of WWW::Search.
It should be considered alpha-quality software.
We are releasing this version to get feedback about the interface
and services provided.
Although this an alpha release, complete library documentation
is included.
This release includes only a small demonstration program. We expect
to release other applications based on this library in late
October/early November.
GETTING WWW::Search
-------------------
You can get WWW::Search from our web page at
<http://www.isi.edu/lsam/tools/WWW_SEARCH/>.
WWW::Search is not currently part of CPAN. If response to WWW::Search
is positive we hope to add it to CPAN.
Feedback about WWW::Search is encouraged. Information about the API
would be very helpful. If you are interested in doing a back-end for
a new search engine or using WWW::Search for your projects, please let
us know.
-John Heidemann
USC/ISI