I'm still fairly new to the world of electronics. While I'm getting better at the understanding and designing, I'm finding the locating and sourcing of parts a complete nightmare.
Current example: I'm following a design which requires a 1N1418 diode. This diode doesn't seem to exist in my usual online stores (in the UK). When I Google it I get a few datasheets but Google has mostly decided to replace the search with 1N4148.
My question: am I doing this the way everyone else does (i.e. searching Farnell, RS, Rapid, Mouser, etc + Google)? Or, is there some (not so) secret online cross-referencing database you all are using? I'd love to type in "1N1814" and get a list of typical uses, alternatives, etc. Also, being able to search something like TL074 and getting a summary of the differences between the variations (i.e. TL074ACN vs TL074CD vs TL074ID).