Re: arsclist Cataloging

[Don Cox <doncox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On 14/12/02, Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx wrote:

> It is remarkable that anyone connected with modern computers and
> computer science would mention using ASCII text files for anything.
> The mere thought of putting down a string of characters without a kb
> of formatting information must be appalling. The fact that anyone,
> anytime (even an alien with six fingers would still use binary
> numbers) could interpret it with just the ASCII code list.

Your irony is appreciated. Actually, Linux uses ASCII files extensively.

Plain ASCII cannot handle accented characters, which is a limitation for
music cataloguing. It's a pity Unicode was not around earlier in the
development of computers.

The advantages of a database stored as a plain ASCII text file are 
obvious - simple, robust, and easily edited without deep knowledge of computers.

The advantage of a properly set up database management system is that
you can ask for combinations such as "All recordings of Beethoven
symphonies conducted by Klemperer not with the Philharmonia". But
setting up and maintaining such a database needs a lot of well informed
planning, and the data entry must be done by expert staff, otherwise the
whole thing is worse than useless.

The technology of setting up an SQL database with a web page as a front
end is well known. It's the planning, design and construction of the
database that is a mammoth effort. 

It could well be that not enough users would benefit to make the effort
worth while. In which case, ASCII files would do fine.


Regards
-- 
Don Cox
doncox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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