Indexing software consists of computer
applications
Application may refer to:
Mathematics and computing
* Application software, computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks
** Application layer, an abstraction layer that specifies protocols and interface methods used in a c ...
that help to build an
index (like this one:
Index of branches of science).
Features
There are several methodologies for indexing:
[ ]
* Standalone indexing applications enable an indexer to create an index as a separate document, later to be integrated into the original text, by manually entering headings and page numbers or other locators. Such applications collate, alphabetize, and sort the raw input to create a formatted index.
*
Embedded indexing includes the index headings in the midst of the text itself, but surrounded by codes so that they are not normally displayed. A usable index is then generated automatically from the embedded text using the position of the embedded headings to determine the locators. Thus, when the pagination is changed the index can be regenerated with the new locators.
* Tagging allows indexing codes to be embedded in the text after the indexing is complete. The indexer inserts numbered dummy tags in the files, and then builds the index separately
* Many
word processor
A word processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features.
Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicated to the function, but current ...
s and
desktop publishing
Desktop publishing (DTP) is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal ("desktop") computer. It was first used almost exclusively for print publications, but now it also assists in the creation of various forms of online ...
software have integrated automated indexing functions. These tools build a concordance or word lists from processed files. They have often limited usage.
* AI and machine-learning approaches have not yet matured to the point where they can create finished or near-finished indexes.
See also
*
Subject indexing
Subject indexing is the act of describing or classifying a document by index terms, keywords, or other symbols in order to indicate what different documents are ''about'', to summarize their contents or to increase findability. In other words, i ...
*
concordance
Concordance may refer to:
* Agreement (linguistics), a form of cross-reference between different parts of a sentence or phrase
* Bible concordance, an alphabetical listing of terms in the Bible
* Concordant coastline, in geology, where beds, or la ...
*
tf-idf
References
Book publishing
Book design
Information science
Publishing
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