# Sherlock

> defunct web search tool created by Apple

**Wikidata**: [Q1137219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1137219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sherlock-q1137219

## Summary
Sherlock was a defunct web search tool developed by Apple in 1998. It was designed as a file manager and search engine for macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9, and was named after the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. The tool was discontinued in 2007.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: Apple Inc., an American multinational technology company based in Cupertino, California.
- **Inception**: October 17, 1998.
- **Discontinuation**: October 26, 2007.
- **Operating Systems**: macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9.
- **Version**: 3.6.2.
- **Website**: [http://www.apple.com/lae/sherlock/](http://www.apple.com/lae/sherlock/).
- **Named After**: Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
- **Instance Of**: Application, search engine, and file manager.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Sherlock (software).

## FAQs
### Q: What was Sherlock used for?
A: Sherlock was a web search tool and file manager designed for macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9. It allowed users to search the web and manage files on their Apple computers.

### Q: Who developed Sherlock?
A: Sherlock was developed by Apple Inc., the American multinational technology company known for its hardware and software products.

### Q: When was Sherlock released and discontinued?
A: Sherlock was released on October 17, 1998, and discontinued on October 26, 2007.

### Q: What operating systems was Sherlock compatible with?
A: Sherlock was compatible with macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9.

### Q: Why was Sherlock named after Sherlock Holmes?
A: Sherlock was named after Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as a nod to its search capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Sherlock was a significant tool in the early days of the internet, providing users with a dedicated search and file management solution for Apple computers. It was part of Apple's efforts to integrate web search functionality into its operating systems, which was a novel concept at the time. The tool's discontinuation marked the end of an era for Apple's early web search initiatives, as the company shifted its focus to other technologies and services. Sherlock's legacy lies in its role as a pioneering application that bridged the gap between desktop computing and the emerging web search landscape.

## Notable For
- **First Apple Search Tool**: Sherlock was one of the first dedicated web search tools developed by Apple, setting the stage for future search technologies.
- **File Management Integration**: It combined web search with file management, offering a comprehensive solution for users.
- **Named After a Literary Icon**: The tool's name was inspired by Sherlock Holmes, reflecting its search capabilities and detective-like functionality.
- **Compatibility with Multiple OS Versions**: Sherlock supported macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9, ensuring broad compatibility for users.
- **Pioneering Apple Web Search**: Sherlock was part of Apple's early experiments with web search, contributing to the evolution of search technologies.

## Body
### Overview
Sherlock was a web search tool and file manager developed by Apple Inc. It was released on October 17, 1998, and discontinued on October 26, 2007. The tool was named after Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional detective, as a nod to its search capabilities.

### Development and Release
Sherlock was developed by Apple Inc., a company known for its innovative hardware and software products. The tool was released in 1998 and was designed to work with macOS, Mac OS 8, and Mac OS 9. It was part of Apple's efforts to integrate web search functionality into its operating systems, which was a novel concept at the time.

### Features and Functionality
Sherlock offered a range of features, including web search and file management. Users could search the web and manage files on their Apple computers using the tool. It was designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

### Discontinuation
Sherlock was discontinued in 2007, marking the end of an era for Apple's early web search initiatives. The company shifted its focus to other technologies and services, reflecting the changing landscape of the internet and computing.

### Legacy
Sherlock's legacy lies in its role as a pioneering application that bridged the gap between desktop computing and the emerging web search landscape. It was a significant tool in the early days of the internet, providing users with a dedicated search and file management solution for Apple computers.

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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sherlock",
  "description": "Defunct web search tool created by Apple",
  "url": "http://www.apple.com/lae/sherlock/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11920", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_(software)"],
  "additionalType": ["SoftwareApplication", "SearchEngine"]
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013