What are the main Boolean search operators and how do they function?

Boolean search operators include AND, OR, and NOT, each serving distinct functions. The AND operator requires all specified criteria to be present, narrowing results by combining multiple terms that must all appear. The OR operator expands searches by retrieving results containing any of the specified terms, significantly increasing the number of matches. The NOT operator (or minus sign in Google) excludes specific terms from search results. Parentheses are essential for grouping terms, especially when combining different operators in complex searches, ensuring the search engine executes commands in the intended order.