Latest version of glossary

For example (just off the top of my head -- these should be improved upon):

entity: a thing of interest

Note: this term is often used when doing conceptual data modeling. When it is used with a particular product, technique, or technology, such as XML, refer to the use of the term within that "namespace" using an adjective, such as "XML entity" to distinquish it from the more generic use of the term.

(we could possibly add in strong and weak entity)

dimension:
1) A relation R is of dimension n if each tuple in R is an n-tuple 2) An n-dimensional data structure, S, is one where each element of S can be uniquely addressed as S[i1][i2]...[in]

Note: Because a table in a SQL-DBMS can be modeled as a mathematical relation where the dimension is as in 1) above, and can also be manipulated using a general purpose programming language with the dimension using 2) above being equal to 2, there can be confusion when using this term. In this forum, use definition 1) freely and try to either avoid 2) or be very clear, such as "2D array," when employing def 2).

flat: an object which by any definition could be considered as 2 dimensional might informally be called flat.

Note: any use of the term flat tends to be seen as inflammatory by someone, so take care to use it only when intending to inflame ;-)

Cheers! --dawn Received on Fri Feb 24 2006 - 01:53:38 CET