The Porter stemming algorithm: then and now

Abstract

Purpose

In 1980, Porter presented a simple algorithm for stemming English language words. This paper summarises the main features of the algorithm, and highlights its role not just in modern information retrieval research, but also in a range of related subject domains.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of literature and research involving use of the Porter algorithm.

Findings

The algorithm has been widely adopted and extended so that it has become the standard approach to word conflation for information retrieval in a wide range of languages.

Orinality/value

The 1980 paper in Program by Porter describing his algorithm has been highly cited. This paper provides a context for the original paper as well as an overview of its subsequent use.

Citation

Willett, P. (2006), "The Porter stemming algorithm: then and now", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 40 No. 3, pp. 219-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330610681295