The short answer
The easiest way to think about it is this:
- An address bar takes you to a website.
- A search bar helps you find something.
The confusing part is that modern web browsers have blurred the line. Most address bars can also perform internet searches, which makes them look like search bars.
Once you understand the difference, you'll become much more confident using the internet.
And be warned... you're about to become very good at searching!
Search bars
Search bars are one of the most useful tools you'll ever learn to use.
They help you find information, whether that's on the internet, inside a website or even on your own computer.
There are two common types of search bar:
- Search bars that search the internet and return websites.
- Search bars that search the contents of a particular website or your own device.
Remember, you are in charge of the search, not the other way round. The better you describe what you're looking for, the better your results are likely to be.
Address bars
The address bar is built into every web browser and is usually found at the very top of the window.
It displays the website's address (often called a URL) and lets you visit websites directly if you already know their address.
For example:
www.techandtalk.co.uk
If you type that into the address bar, your browser knows exactly where to go.
You can read more about web browsers in our guide:
Why it can get confused
Modern browsers are clever.
If you type something that isn't a complete website address, the address bar assumes you want to search instead.
For example, if you type:
tech and talk
your browser will search for websites containing those words.
Because there are lots of technology companies and websites, you'll probably see several results.
If instead you searched for:
Tech and Talk friendly workshop Leeds
the search engine has much more information to work with and is far more likely to show the website you're looking for.
When a website has its own search box
Once you've arrived on a website, you may find another search box.
This one doesn't search the whole internet.
Instead, it searches only that website.
Imagine you're visiting a large shopping website looking for printer ink.
Using the website's own search box will search that shop's products rather than the entire internet.
Many larger websites have their own search box because it makes finding information much quicker.
Remember
Address bars take you to places.
Search bars help you find things.
Modern browsers combine the two, which is why they're often confused.
Once you understand the difference, using the internet becomes much easier.
Have a go
The next time you're online, look for the address bar at the top of your browser.
Try typing the full address of a website you know.
Then try searching for the same website using a few descriptive words instead.
You'll quickly begin to see the difference between navigating directly to a website and searching for one.
💡 Workshop Tip
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