If you are a regular user of Google Chrome, you have probably seen the default message “Search Google or type a URL” in the address bar or the Omnibox. This message gives you two options to find what you are looking for on the internet: you can either search Google by typing a keyword or a phrase, or you can type a URL to access a specific website. But what is the difference between these two options, and which one should you choose? In this article, we will explain what “Search Google or type a URL” means, how to use it effectively, and what are the pros and cons of each option.
What Is an Omnibox?
Before we dive into the details of “Search Google or type a URL”, let’s first understand what an Omnibox is. An Omnibox is a feature of Google Chrome that combines the functions of an address bar and a search box. You can use the Omnibox to enter a web address, perform a Google search, do a mathematical calculation, get an answer to a question, and more. The Omnibox also provides suggestions and autocomplete features to help you find what you need faster and easier.
What is “Search Google Or Type A URL”?
“Search Google or type a URL” is the default word that appears in the address bar or search box (now called Omnibox) when you open a new tab in the Chrome browser. You can choose from two options to continue using Chrome. You can type a desired keyword into the Omnibox and press Enter to see the search result, or you can just type the specific URL into the Omnibox and press Enter to go directly to the page.
In the new tab window, you’ll find Gmail and Pictures in the top right corner and the Customize button in the bottom right corner. On special days (parties, celebrity birthdays, dates of major events in history, etc.), a topic created by the Google team will be above the Omnibox, and click on it to go to the topic search result.
“Search Google or type a URL” in Chrome Canary
“Search Google or type a URL” is also a feature in Chrome’s Canary update. Chrome Canary is a leading version of the Chrome browser. Google uses it to test ideas. One idea in the Canary 36 version is to bury the full URL in the top-level domain name. Even when navigating within the site, only the site name is displayed.
However, you can still see the full URL by clicking the “Origin Chip” button, which is the domain name itself. The button is only activated by typing chrome://flags/#origin-chip-in-omnibox in the activated Omnibox. If you click on the domain, you can edit it.
The advantages of the domain-only approach are on the one hand the simplification of the web address; on the other hand, it creates space for a subfield on the right that offers the “Search on Google or type URL” option.
“Search Google or type a URL” itself
Sometimes when you’re so bored, just open a new tab in the Google Chrome browser and type in after the standard phrase “search Google or type URL”. Or maybe you are thinking of something else and typing these words without your knowledge.
Enter A URL or Search On Google Which One To Select?
Which one should you choose, enter a web address, or search on Google? It depends if you know the exact URL of the target website, for example, 9jaboizgist.com.ng, you’d better type the URL directly into the Omnibox or address bar above and press Enter on your keyboard to get directly to the target page.
However, if you can’t remember the full URL of the page or just want to search for something online, you’ll have to rely on the browser’s search function by entering the keyword (eg 9jaboizgist) in the search box and pressing Enter to find out Let Google search its library and list all related websites. You can then browse the websites and select some of them to open.
What Happens When You Type “Google” in URL?
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s start our adventure!
Step 1: Typing “Google” in the URL Bar
So, you’ve just typed “Google” into your browser’s URL bar, and you’re eager to find out what happens next. Well, buckle up, because here’s the lowdown:
- Browser’s Cache Check: Your trusty browser isn’t about to let you down. It first checks its cache, which is like a digital memory bank of websites you’ve visited before. It’s looking for the IP address associated with “google.com” because computers communicate using IP addresses, not friendly domain names.
- Operating System’s Cache: If your browser can’t find the IP address in its cache, it turns to your computer’s operating system (OS) for help. The OS also keeps a cache of DNS records, so it’s the next stop on our journey.
- DNS Resolution: If all else fails, your browser reaches out to the Domain Name System (DNS), which is like the internet’s phone book. DNS servers store records that map domain names to IP addresses. In this case, it’s looking for the IP address of “google.com.”
- DNS Hierarchy: The DNS resolution process involves multiple steps, including contacting a resolver, root servers, and top-level domain (TLD) servers. These interactions are like a relay race, with each server passing the baton until the final IP address is found.
So, What Happens When You Type “Google” in the URL?
Here’s the nitty-gritty of What happens when you type Google in the URL?:
- Your browser starts a quest to find the IP address associated with “google.com.”
- It checks its own cache, and then your computer’s cache.
- If it strikes out, it calls in the big guns – the DNS servers.
- These servers work together to translate “google.com” into an IP address like 172.217.4.142.
- Once the IP address is found, your browser can connect to Google’s servers, setting the stage for your search adventure!
Step 2: Connecting to the Server
Now that your browser has the IP address of “google.com,” it’s time to establish a connection with Google’s servers. This is where the magic of the internet truly shines:
- TCP vs. UDP: Your browser uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) to ensure a reliable transfer of content. TCP makes sure that every piece of data sent between your computer and Google’s servers arrives intact and in the correct order. This is crucial for loading web pages and ensuring that your search results are complete.
- Firewall Scrutiny: Your data doesn’t have an easy ride. It faces scrutiny from firewalls along the way. Firewalls act as digital bouncers, making sure that only safe and authorized data gets through. This is a crucial step in keeping your internet experience secure.
Step 3: Requesting and Receiving Data
With the connection established, your browser is now ready to request the webpage from Google’s servers. Here’s how it happens:
- GET Request: Your browser sends a GET request to Google’s servers, essentially saying, “Hey, can I have the Google homepage, please?” This request includes all the necessary information for the server to understand what you’re asking for.
- Server Response: Google’s servers receive your request, process it, and send back a response. This response contains not only the HTML content of the Google homepage but also additional resources like CSS and JavaScript files. These elements work together to create the beautiful, functional webpage you see on your screen.
The Final Touch: Rendering the Page
With the server’s response in hand, your browser’s work is far from over. It still has one crucial job left:
- Rendering: Your browser takes the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files received from Google’s servers and assembles them into the webpage you interact with. HTML defines the structure, CSS styles it, and JavaScript adds interactivity. It’s like putting together pieces of a digital puzzle.
FAQ search Google or type a URL
Q1: Can I Change the DNS Servers My Browser Uses?
Absolutely! You can configure your browser to use specific DNS servers if you prefer. This can sometimes lead to faster page loading times or enhanced security. Popular DNS services include Google’s Public DNS and Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.
Q2: What If I Make a Typo in the URL?
Typos happen to the best of us! If you make a typo in the URL, your browser will likely display an error message or try to suggest a corrected URL based on your input. It’s always a good idea to double-check your typing, though!
Q3: Why Do Some Websites Start with “HTTP” and Others with “HTTPS”?
The “HTTP” or “HTTPS” at the beginning of a URL indicates the protocol being used. “HTTP” stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, while “HTTPS” adds an extra layer of security with the “S” standing for “Secure.” Most modern websites use HTTPS to encrypt data transfer, providing a safer browsing experience.
Can I use “Search Google” to find a specific website?
Yes, you can. If you know the website’s name or some keywords related to it, you can use Google to find it.
What should I do if the search results don’t provide the information I need?
Try refining your search query by using more specific keywords or phrases. You can also use advanced search operators to narrow down the results.
Is “Search Google” secure for accessing websites?
While Google itself is secure, the websites you access through search results may vary in terms of security. Always exercise caution when clicking on unfamiliar links.
Can I bookmark websites I find through a Google search?
Yes, most web browsers allow you to bookmark websites you find through a Google search for quick access in the future.
How do I clear my search history in Google?
To clear your search history in Google, go to your Google Account settings and navigate to “Data & personalization.” From there, you can manage your search history.
Conclusion
And there you have it— the fascinating journey of What happens when you type Google in URL. From the moment you hit “Enter” to the final rendering of a webpage, a complex series of processes unfold seamlessly, allowing you to explore the vast world of the internet. Understanding these behind-the-scenes workings can deepen your appreciation for the technology that powers our digital age.
So, the next time you embark on an internet adventure, whether it’s a simple Google search or a deep dive into the web’s depths, you’ll have a newfound understanding of the incredible journey your request takes before those search results appear on your screen. Happy surfing!
