Sherlock (software)

Sherlock was an early Internet search tool developed by Apple Computer, introduced as part of Mac OS 8.5 in 1998. It allowed users to search for files on their local hard drive, as well as information on the World Wide Web.

Initially, Sherlock used a system of "plug-ins" that allowed it to search different online sources. These plug-ins, developed by third-party websites and services, effectively extended Sherlock's capabilities to search specific content like news, shopping sites, and encyclopedias. This architecture allowed for a highly customizable search experience.

Sherlock improved upon its predecessor, AppleSearch, by providing a more user-friendly interface and a broader range of search capabilities. Its ability to search both local and online resources from a single interface was a significant advancement at the time.

Later versions of Sherlock, particularly Sherlock 3 included in Mac OS X v10.2 (Jaguar), shifted away from the plug-in architecture and integrated Apple's own services more directly. This version also introduced a new visual style and emphasized Apple's focus on integration within its ecosystem.

Sherlock was eventually superseded by Spotlight in Mac OS X v10.4 (Tiger), which offered improved indexing, search speed, and system-wide integration. Spotlight retained some visual similarities to Sherlock, particularly in its interface design, but represented a significant upgrade in functionality and performance. Sherlock was ultimately discontinued, its functionality effectively replaced by Spotlight.