# Step 1: Locate the Search Mask

You can start a search directly from the home page of the database using the **Search** **Mask**:

<figure><img src="/files/yOjQtDF8WpsMnUMNciZM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Search Mask consists of the following elements:

* The **Search Bar,** where keywords can be entered. Pressing the ENTER key or the magnifying glass symbol at the end of the line starts a search. More about the Search Bar can be found [here](/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/the-search-bar.md).
* The **Advanced Search** function, which offers further search method&#x73;*.* More about Advanced Search can be found [here](/navigating-and-searching/examples-of-typical-searches/search-functions/advanced-search.md).


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.census.de/quick-start/step-1-locate-the-search-mask.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.