4 ms·

I use DDG search most of the time, but I find this to be untrue. DDG is pretty good, but struggles with context a lot more than Google does. For example, when s

by _AzMoo 6y ago

I use DDG search most of the time, but I find this to be untrue. DDG is pretty good, but struggles with context a lot more than Google does. For example, when searching for an error in a programming library, DDG is likely to return the library homepage, whereas google is more likely to return the specific github issue where the error is being discussed.

ratww 6y ago
For text it depends [1] but for images I find DDG to range from slightly to significantly better than Google. Also, I have direct access to the image file URL without having to rely on browser extensions. [1] I wonder if the meme "DDG is not that good" is so prevalent on Hacker News because it sucks for programming stuff.
- missedthecue 6y ago
  Yes, Google image searches produce wild results. Far-right groups have had a field day with it.
the__alchemist 6y ago
Agreed. I switched to DDG a few weeks ago as a default. I appreciate the privacy, but for some categories (like tech questions) the results are just... not as accurate. For general queries they're comparable. For searching specific issues, Google is more likely to show relevant discussion threads of the exact issue.
ldng 6y ago
This used to be true. Regularly I had to use the !g bang to find what I was looking for. Lately, I've realised that I hardly use it anymore and I do results are far worse on Google. Your mileage may vary of course but I don't bother with Google anymore.
- mancerayder 6y ago
  Same. I went the DDG route a couple of years ago, and searching tech topics made me constantly do g!. And a few other things. Suddenly, Google's results go so much worse, that the duckduckgo offering just proved to be actually functional by comparison. And I think it actually has improved over the years. It's now my default browser search and I'm comfortable not having to worry about Google capturing every feeling or thought I have when I google something, and storing that for eternity. Not to mention the awful vendor blogs and stores and secretive marketing clickbait masquerading as a neutral information totally dominating Google's page 1 and 2 of results.

by _AzMoo 6y ago

ratww 6y ago

For text it depends [1] but for images I find DDG to range from slightly to significantly better than Google. Also, I have direct access to the image file URL without having to rely on browser extensions. [1] I wonder if the meme "DDG is not that good" is so prevalent on Hacker News because it sucks for programming stuff.

missedthecue 6y ago
Yes, Google image searches produce wild results. Far-right groups have had a field day with it.

the__alchemist 6y ago

Agreed. I switched to DDG a few weeks ago as a default. I appreciate the privacy, but for some categories (like tech questions) the results are just... not as accurate. For general queries they're comparable. For searching specific issues, Google is more likely to show relevant discussion threads of the exact issue.

ldng 6y ago

This used to be true. Regularly I had to use the !g bang to find what I was looking for. Lately, I've realised that I hardly use it anymore and I do results are far worse on Google. Your mileage may vary of course but I don't bother with Google anymore.

mancerayder 6y ago
Same. I went the DDG route a couple of years ago, and searching tech topics made me constantly do g!. And a few other things. Suddenly, Google's results go so much worse, that the duckduckgo offering just proved to be actually functional by comparison. And I think it actually has improved over the years. It's now my default browser search and I'm comfortable not having to worry about Google capturing every feeling or thought I have when I google something, and storing that for eternity. Not to mention the awful vendor blogs and stores and secretive marketing clickbait masquerading as a neutral information totally dominating Google's page 1 and 2 of results.