The verticalization of search has been coming for some time with talk of all manner of specialized search engines that are either free or pay to play. The idea, of course, is to separate the wheat from the chaff and access tightly focused results instead of seeing ‘2,398,789 results for your search term’ (while arguments could be made for more advanced training on search methodology for the end user – that is an entirely different discussion).
In the meantime, Koders.com has launched a beta search engine targeting open source developers. The search engine indexes open source code spanning numerous licenses and languages. Some interesting functions:
- As you review results, you can select the project it belongs to and use a provided calculator in the browser to identify the cost to build (i.e. build versus buy). You can input the number of person months you would use, the percentage of functionality you need, and your monthly labor costs to evaluate.
- Koders has an enterprise tool coming soon that will allow larger enterprises to implement a server appliance with what looks to be index and search logic similar to the public search tool. The server can inventory all of the company’s source code, regardless of language (behind the firewall) and better enable code management, reuse utilization and licensing compliance/oversight.
An interview with Koder’s founder can be read at Newsforge. Reporter Joe Barr makes an interesting comment after the interview – should or will Koders offer some licensing guidance and clarification on usage of the code discovered during searches?
Frequently Asked Questions about Koders.com and Open Source Developer Search Engines
What makes Koders.com different from other open-source developer search engines?
Koders.com is a unique search engine designed specifically for developers. It allows users to search for open-source code in various programming languages. What sets Koders.com apart is its extensive database of over a billion lines of open-source code, making it a comprehensive resource for developers. It also offers advanced search features, allowing users to filter results by language, license, or owner, making it easier to find the exact code they’re looking for.
How does Koders.com compare to GitHub in terms of searching for PHP code?
While GitHub is a popular platform for hosting and sharing code, Koders.com offers a more focused search experience. GitHub’s search functionality is more general, while Koders.com is specifically designed to search for open-source code. This means that when searching for PHP code, for example, Koders.com can provide more targeted results, potentially saving developers time and effort.
Is Koders.com a reliable source for open-source code?
Yes, Koders.com is a reliable source for open-source code. It has a vast database of code from various open-source projects, making it a valuable resource for developers. However, as with any open-source code, it’s important to review and understand the code before using it in your own projects.
How does Koders.com’s search functionality compare to other search engines like Phind.com?
Koders.com and Phind.com both offer search functionality for developers, but they differ in their focus. While Phind.com is designed to search for web pages and documents, Koders.com is specifically designed to search for open-source code. This means that Koders.com can provide more targeted results for developers looking for specific pieces of code.
Can I use Koders.com to search for scripts in languages other than PHP?
Yes, Koders.com supports a wide range of programming languages. You can use it to search for open-source code in languages like Java, C++, Python, and many others. This makes it a versatile tool for developers working in various programming environments.
How does Koders.com compare to dedicated search engines for programmers?
Koders.com is a dedicated search engine for programmers. It’s designed specifically to search for open-source code, making it a valuable resource for developers. While other dedicated search engines may offer similar functionality, Koders.com stands out for its extensive database and advanced search features.
Is Koders.com free to use?
Yes, Koders.com is free to use. It’s an open-source project itself, meaning that it’s freely available for anyone to use. This makes it a valuable resource for developers, whether they’re working on personal projects or contributing to larger open-source initiatives.
How can I contribute to Koders.com?
As an open-source project, Koders.com welcomes contributions from the developer community. You can contribute by adding new code to the database, improving the search functionality, or helping to maintain the website. Check out the project’s GitHub page for more information on how to get involved.
Can I use Koders.com to search for code under specific licenses?
Yes, Koders.com allows you to filter search results by license. This means you can easily find code that’s licensed under terms that meet your project’s needs. This is a valuable feature for developers who need to ensure that the code they use complies with certain licensing requirements.
How can I get the most out of using Koders.com?
To get the most out of Koders.com, make sure to take advantage of its advanced search features. You can filter results by language, license, or owner, making it easier to find the exact code you’re looking for. Also, remember to review and understand any code you find before using it in your own projects.
Blane Warrene
