OpenSearch vs SearchAction

[GatorMapi]

I was setting up Alfred custom web searches and had the option to choose between an 'OpenSearch' and a 'Search Action.' I tested both and they both did the same thing. Am I missing something? Whats the difference between the two?

[deanishe]

3 hours ago, GatorMapi said:

Am I missing something? Whats the difference between the two?

 

They are two different ways for a website to specify how to search it. They both do the same thing, but not all software supports both, much like RSS vs Atom.

 

MediaWiki only supports OpenSearch, for example, so if you put https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page into the Search URL box and hit Lookup, you'll only see a result for OpenSearch.

 

Most websites support neither, however. Normally, you'll have to figure out the correct search URL on your own.

Edited September 9, 2021 by deanishe

[GatorMapi]

Thanks!