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This is not a duplicate of How do I add a Filtered Question to search for questions containing content other than just tags. The linked question is a . I will focus this question on workarounds.

In Nov 2010, a feature rolled out was called tag sets1 AKA GlobalTag MegaBlender™. As of October 25, 2023, the feature is still on the Stack Exchange homepage as Filtered Questions. The link URL is https://stackexchange.com/filters.

I know that I can create a filter specific to Meta Stack Exchange and a specific to . Is there a way to make the filter return only questions asking for a site recommendation to ask questions about using application software?

According to Wikipedia,

An application program (software application, or application, or app for short) is a computer program designed to carry out a specific task other than one relating to the operation of the computer itself,[1] typically to be used by end-users.[2] Word processors, media players, and accounting software are examples. The collective noun "application software" refers to all applications collectively.[3] The other principal classifications of software are system software, relating to the operation of the computer, and utility software ("utilities").

Applications may be bundled with the computer and its system software or published separately and may be coded as proprietary, open-source, or projects.[4] The term "app" usually refers to applications for mobile devices such as phones.

There are several ways to classify / group apps. I'm looking to create a filter for questions about any application software, excluding system software and utility software. It might be a question looking where to ask for recommendations, development, troubleshooting, license and terms of service, etc.

Famous application software by platform

Cross-Platform macOS App Store
Google Play		 Web Windows
  • Facebook
  • Google (Google Search)
  • WhatsApp
  • X (formerly Twitter)
    		•  Garage Band Google Lens Google Apps Script Microsoft Access
    Thoughts

    I thought that it might be possible to use site-specific tags like ,, but

    1. Most OP asking for a site recommendation aren't familiar with Meta Stack Exchange tags. The is frequently added by an editor / curator.
    2. Not all sites that allow questions about software apps have a tag
    3. Tags should not be added to answer the question. Ref. When should site-specific tags be included in site recommendation questions?

    If possible, the filter might need to be set based on the question or answer content, but that looks impossible. Am I right?

    Workarounds?

    As I mentioned on top of this question, and the answer was posted a bit earlier than this update, there is a that confirms that I was right. Considering that it's impossible to use tag sets / tag filer / filtered questions, what workarounds could be used?

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    I just found a related

    How do I add a Filtered Question to search for questions containing content other than just tags

    Besides the mandatory tag, it only had .

    I will update the below text later.

    Assuming that I was right regarding that, it's not possible to create a filter for questions based on the question and answer content and considering that there isn't a specific tag for what I'm looking for, in this case, for asking for a site recommendation to ask questions about application software, the workaround is to set a broad filter, i.e., all questions from Meta Stack Exchange, then use client-side (email client, RSS client) filtering features.

    Other workarounds imply using other tools like the Data Explorer, Stack Exchange API and saving a search as a bookmark. An "advanced" workaround could be to use third-party services like Programmable Search Engine, formerly known as Custom Search Engine.

    Sample searches

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