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Information retrieval is the foundation for modern search engines.
This textbook offers an introduction to the core topics underlying
modern search technologies, including algorithms, data structures,
indexing, retrieval, and evaluation. The emphasis is on implementation
and experimentation; each chapter includes exercises and suggestions
for student projects.
Wumpus, a multi-user open-source information retrieval system
developed by one of the authors and available online, provides model
implementations and a basis for student work.
The modular structure
of the book allows instructors to use it in a variety of graduate-level
courses, including courses taught from a database systems implementation
perspective, traditional information retrieval courses with a focus on
IR theory, and courses covering the basics of Web retrieval.
Additionally, professionals in computer science, computer engineering,
and software engineering will find Information Retrieval a valuable
reference.
After an introduction to the basics of information retrieval, the text
covers three major topic areas — indexing, retrieval,
and evaluation — in self-contained parts. The final part of
the book draws on and extends the general material in the earlier parts,
treating specific application areas, including parallel search engines,
link analysis, crawling, and information retrieval over collections of
XML documents. End-of-chapter references point to further reading;
end-of-chapter exercises range from pencil and paper problems to
substantial programming projects.
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