AIS: Electronic Checklist / Searchable Database
- Subject: AIS: Electronic Checklist / Searchable Database
- From: S* M* <7*@compuserve.com>
- Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 15:29:43 -0500
- Content-Disposition: inline
From: Sharon McAllister <73372.1745@compuserve.com>
John Jones wrote:
> But I really agree about the searchable database. What kind of things
would
> you search for? (that defines to some extent how the database would be
> organized)
>
And Patrick O'Connor responded:
> Not really. The beauty of the database is that, once you have all the
> elements incorporated, you can ask any question that occur to you.
Lists
> by color, by date, by hybridizer, by a particular parent, and by
> combinations of these, all become quickly possible.
As one who's been in the computer world longer than databases, I must say
that both are right. John is talking about what goes into the design of a
database and a well-designed one can certainly be used as Patrick
describes. This distinction is an important one becaue an ill-conceived
database may not provide the answers you seek -- or in some cases may even
provide the wrong answers.
Patrick added:
> The number of items of
> information about any particular hybrid are very limited and
organization
> of the database is simple.
Unfortunately, not true in this case. The information is indeed limited,
but the changes in format, meaning of terms and definitions of
abbreviations makes the definition of fields far from simple. Just think
of the recent discussions about how the diploid TBs fit into the current
classification system. "TB " as used in the '39 CL does not mean the same
thing as "TB" in the '89 CL.
Not an insurmountable problem, but one whose solution will certainly
require both computer expertise and an intimate knowledge of the
registration system itself and the way it has changed over the years.
Doable. Not easy.
Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com
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