Google offers search service for programmers

Google is introducing Google Code Search, a site that simplifies how software developers search for programming code to improve existing software or create new programs, a Reuters report said.


The Reuters report, quoting Google product manager Tom Stocky, the company is set to help programmers sift through billions of lines of computer source code using its familiar search box to uncover snippets of reusable software.


'For a long time it has been sort of an unsolved problem,' Stocky was quoted as saying. 'It is hard to find references to this sort of data.'


The report also said Google aims to apply the same machine-driven techniques it uses to help consumers search the Web for text, images, video and books to help professional programmers as well as computer enthusiasts overcome stumbling blocks to writing code.


Searchers can seek out specific programming terms or computer languages and dive deep into compressed code to locate specific features, the report said.


Users also can narrow a search to find software code based on specific licensing requirements, which is a big deal in warding off future patent litigation, the report further said.