Understanding Search Engines: Mathematical Modeling and Text Retrieval

by Michael W. Berry, Murray Browne

The second edition of Understanding Search Engines: Mathematical Modeling and Text Retrieval follows the basic premise of the first edition by discussing many of the key design issues for building search engines and emphasizing the important role that applied mathematics can play in improving information retrieval. The authors discuss important data structures, algorithms, and software as well as user-centered issues such as interfaces, manual indexing, and document preparation.

Readers will find that the second edition includes significant changes that bring the text up to date on current information retrieval methods. For example, the authors have added a completely new chapter on link-structure algorithms used in search engines such as Google, and the chapter on user interface has been rewritten to specifically focus on search engine usability. To reflect updates in the literature on information retrieval, the authors have added new recommendations for further reading and expanded the bibliography. In addition, the index has been updated and streamlined to make it more reader friendly.

Instructors will find that the book serves as an excellent companion text for courses in information retrieval, applied linear algebra, and scientific computing. Because of the authors' informal, conversational tone, readers with nonmathematical backgrounds also will appreciate the less technical chapters of the text.

Genres: Computer Science

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1999

Reviews

[Diego · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este libro es una introducción a cómo funciona un motor de búsqueda, aunque sólo se enfoca en el manejo de los modelos matemáticos usados en la indexación de páginas en el motor. Con respecto a otros temas relacionados, como la implementación de crawlers, sólo los menciona pero no profundiza en ellos y deja dudas al respecto.

A pesar de ello, esta obra hace referencia a material en donde se podría ampliar la compresión acerca de esos aspectos que deja sin cubrir.

En resumen, es un libro bastante útil como referencia de trabajos y técnicas relacionados con los modelos matemáticos usados en un motor de búsqueda; pero para conocer y entender cómo funcionan todas las partes de dichos motores, deja mucho que desear.

[Slava · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much practical information. Looks like a shallow review with references for further reading.