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 ...
that help to build an
index
Index (: indexes or indices) may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional entities
* Index (''A Certain Magical Index''), a character in the light novel series ''A Certain Magical Index''
* The Index, an item on the Halo Array in the ...
(like this one:
Index of branches of science
The following index is provided as an overview of and topical guide to science: Links to articles and redirects to sections of articles which provide information on each topic are listed with a short description of the topic. When there is more ...
).
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 word ...
s and
desktop publishing
Desktop publishing (DTP) is the creation of documents using dedicated 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 co ...
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
A document is a writing, written, drawing, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of nonfiction, non-fictional, as well as ...
*
concordance
*
tf-idf
References
Book publishing
Book design
Information science
Publishing
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