every time i go to the online documentation to look something up, i have trouble finding it. why is there no search function? and if there is a search function, WHERE is it and how can i find it?
See fleskefjes answer.
But normally, I google ‘home assistant ‘name-of-integration’ site:home-assistant.io’ to find what I’m looking for.
that does not appear on my screen 
Sure ?
You may find this list helps
https://jackjourneyman.github.io/homeassistantindex/index.html
yes, i’m sure. it’s not there. no idea why.
update: turns out it was a script i didn’t allow.
Hello HM,
Also for new people, this entire index can help you.
The Home Assistant Cookbook - Index.