Re: Genealogy Software [off-topic]

[Wes Groleau <wwgrol@sparc01.ftw.rsc.raytheon.com>]

Larry Kilgallen wrote:
>         You need to be able to express _multiple_ birth dates,

Expressing them is not too hard.  Search and compare algorithms
for multiple and/or uncertain dates (along with all the other
genealogical oddities of dates) are a bear.

>         when there are conflicting data from various sources.

Although GEDCOM has its flaws, something similar to it is a good
data structure for data that is as variable in format as genealogy.

> I would strongly urge you not to consider writing such software
> until you have tried some that already exists.  PAF was only $ 35

Definitely.  There are many decent freeware/shareware packages.
Give some of them a thorough workout and see what's wrong with
them before writing the requirements for your own.

GEDitCOM, Lifelines, GIM, and Brother's Keeper are four that
I find worthwhile, in that order of preference.  PAF has a
so-so user interface, but it's GEDCOM implementation is the
worst ever.  (Ironic that the people who invented GEDCOM also
produce the worst implementation of it!)

For what it's worth, no matter what genealogy package I try,
I eventually get fed up with its limitations.  I finally
ended up editing my GEDCOM file directly, and using the
software only for error checking and searching.  Which is
why I planned to write my own software--only the stuff above
it on my priority list adds up to more than 168 hrs/wk !

There is a GEDCOM-L mailing list devoted to enhancement ideas
for GEDCOM.  Last I checked, it seemed to be expannding into
general technical discussions about things "similar to" or derived
from GEDCOM and implementation ideas.

> ... (Mormons) ... are quite open to sharing that information with any
> non-believers who are interested.  The only hitch is that film
> must be viewed on their property, since that is a condition of

Not necessarily.  Libraries can get stuff from the LDS archives
by inter-library loan.  Same rental fee as if done at a Mormon facility
and still, must use it at the receiving library (but how many people
have microfilm readers at home anyway?)  And of course, the GEDCOM
specs are not nearly so private.

Web search for GEDCOM 5.5 specification will find several mirrors
of the GEDCOM spec in various formats.

-- 
Wes Groleau
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~wgroleau