[oats-sig] RE: Word/Sentence Prediction Tool for Code-A-Thon

On 13/11/2007, Simon.Judge at nhs.net <Simon.Judge at nhs.net> wrote:

Sounds like a fun project.

I think Steve's got it right, an API is a more suitable abstraction
for something like this. If the algorithm requires just maintaining an
index of words then a relational database interface like SQL might be
overkill. sqlite is a nice light, portable database suitable for
storing those word lists though.

Actually I really like the idea! It sounds like something very doable.
Any more details on an algorithm?

Stephen

On Nov 13, 2007 1:12 PM, Steve Lee <steve at fullmeasure.co.uk> wrote:
> On 13/11/2007, Simon.Judge at nhs.net <Simon.Judge at nhs.net> wrote:
> > Hi, this conversation has been happening off line about the code-a-thon -
> > read down to find out what has been going on (bit messy, sorry) and feel
> > free to comment.
>
> Thanks SImon, It's a little hard to follow all the details but I guess
> the idea is for a FOSS prediction component?
>
> I have a couple of techy thoughts:
>
> A SQL interface gives good decoupling and good flexibility (e.g ad hoc
> queries) however some developers may prefer a code API and/or library,
> especially if they are not familiar with SQL (and strong SQL skills
> can be rare even in good developers). However libraries or wrappers
> can be created to encapsulate the SQL in an API.
>
> If it is chosen to present an API then SQLite may be a better choice.
> Though the DB becomes effectively embedded it is still possible to
> running queries and view the data with suitable tools.
>
> Steve
>
>