Hypermedia - Databases and Information Systems
First mention of hypertext
1960s, mentioned by Ted Nelson and used in dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
Composite Navigation Structure
A combination of hierarchical, linear and non-linear navigation structures, where a variety of each is used. Most realistic websites use this.
HTML: Anchor tag
Allows links between web pages and documents. Connector of web pages to form the WWW. Example: <a href name="ram">Ram Factory</a>
Hypertext
Bodies of text linked in a non-sequential manner.
Storyboard
Consists of screen layouts alongside a short description AND navigational map noting each screen and their linkage
Aim of navigation structure
Convey information as the author intended. Allow users to access intended content with minimal irrelevant information.
Metadata
Data that describes or defines other data. Examples are HTML tags, data dictionaries and schemas
File Name and Subdirectory path
Follows directory structure leading to the actual file in a domain. A query may appear after the filename, preceded by a ? to separate it from the filename.
Nature of hypermedia structure
It is unstructured but highly reflects the nature of the human mind.
Navigation Structures
Linear Hierarchical Non-Linear Composite
Hypermedia
Media linked in a non-sequential manner to other media.
Hierarchical Navigation Structure
Nodes are grouped into categories, each node linking to a parent or child of higher or lower complexity/detail respectively. Organised in a tree diagram, those lower down the tree have are in more detailed and specific. Example would be most large organisation or government websites.
Linear Navigation Structure
Nodes are in a sequential order, forced upon the user Example would be movies, tutorials and data collection of transactions.
Non-Linear Navigation Structure
Nodes are linked in no particular sequence or order. A form of navigation map often is provided for the user. Example would be certain games.
Nodes
Points which are linked together to form a network. In terms of hypertext, a block or unit of information is a node.
Domain Name/Host Name
Preceded by two forward slashes (//). Each domain name is unique and associated with a IP address. DNS servers resolve the IP address through the domain name Elements of a domain name: generally www for websites custom name that describes organisation (yahoo in au.yahoo.com) top level domain (gTLD such as .net or .com or ccTLD such as .au)
HTML in terms of hypertext
Primary organisation method of hypertext, through hyperlinks.
Protocol
Set of transfer standards, it identifies the format and method of transmission. Protocol name is followed by a colon (:). Common web examples include http, https, ssl and ftp
HTML: Meta tag
Stores information that describes the page, rather than how it is displayed. Contained within <head> tags. Example: <META name="keywords" content="key,door,unlock">
Navigation Map
They describe the organisation of the hypermedia web. Consists of Each node and arrows linked the nodes together
Screen Layouts
They should show the look and feel of each screen. Consists of Headings Titles Content Headers/Footers Navigational items Items that are repeated on multiple screens should be mentioned
URL
Universal Resource Locator - identifies individual files and resources. Composed of Protocol, Domain, Subdirectory path & file name
