Search engines are tools that help internet users locate web pages with specific content. Their database is built by software specifically designed to locate web pages, list key words, and then list them as part of their indices. These automated programs only list contents of web pages and does not classify them into specific categories. For this reason, search engines must be used through query boxes available in their websites. In these query boxes, internet users must type key words or phrases of what they are looking for. The search engine will then automatically display all the web pages in their database that contain the typed in key words or phrases. Many are fond of using search engines because they are easy to use, they are generally up-to-date with web page listings, and they are able to locate specific information.

Web directories, on the other hand, are tools of the same kind but are different in such a way that their database is built by human intelligence. Web directory owners hire professional editors to classify entries submitted by various website owners. These are usually classified from a general subject that breaks down into several sub-categories. Web directories do not utilize query boxes as search engines do. They must be searched by following links from general to specific categories until internet users find the small number of websites they are looking for. Those who prefer using web directories like the fact that they are organized enough to make comparisons of different websites with similar purposes. 

Some people, on the other hand, do not prefer one over the other. They make use of both search engines and web directories according to their proper functions. For example, there are normally times when internet users have a specific brand of a product in mind but would like to know more about it to find other similar products that are available in the market. Of course, the website of that specific brand will not direct the internet users to its competitors. Therefore, the best thing the internet user could do is key in the specific product brand in a search engine query box. Through this, users can find specific web pages that link to this brand and they can learn more about the item. Once the internet users have gathered more information about the product, they can now make use of the web directory to search for other websites that offer similar products. Because of this system of using both search engines and web directories, internet users can be exposed to some of the best information that suits their needs.

Since this practice of using both search tools has been very common, software engineers have developed Hybrids. These are websites that combine the functions of both search engines and web directories. This is especially innovative because they can be used by typing in key words or phrases but have indices built by human intelligence and will therefore display categorized results.