Introduction

OpenSearch is a collection of simple formats for the sharing of search results.

The OpenSearch description document format can be used to describe a search engine so that it can be used by search client applications.

The OpenSearch response elements can be used to extend existing syndication formats, such as RSS and Atom, with the extra metadata needed to return search results.

For everyone

• Frequently asked questions
• Search clients that support OpenSearch
• Directories of search engines that support OpenSearch

For developers

Specifications

• OpenSearch 1.1 (Draft 4)
  • OpenSearch description document
  • OpenSearch URL template syntax
  • OpenSearch Query element
  • OpenSearch response elements
• OpenSearch extensions
  • OpenSearch Geo extension [draft]
  • OpenSearch Referrer extension
  • OpenSearch Relevance extension
  • OpenSearch Parameter extension
  • OpenSearch Suggestions extension
• Archived specifications
• License
• OpenSearch specification changelog

Documentation

• Developer "how to" guide
• Developer "best practices" guide
• OpenSearch and microformats
• OpenSearch response stylesheet
• OpenSearch 1.0 to 1.1 upgrade guide

Community

• Software libraries for reading and writing OpenSearch
• Editorial guidelines
• OpenSearch roadmap
• Mailing lists
• Website todo list
• People in the community
• Wishlist of ideas for OpenSearch 2