The first on-line version of the International Dictionary of Literary Terms employed, in a combined approach, both a database and individual HTML files. These files were converted automatically by a word-processing program. This ensured that the printed and on-line versions of each definition were identical.
However, as the number of files increased, it became impratical to manage them by hand to avoid duplicated or conflicting data between the HTML files and the database. Further, the automatic conversion of the text files to HTML limited the possibilities of on-screen presentation.
To resolve these problems, we have undertaken a massive rebuild of the entire system. Borrowing on the experience of Fabula.org, the new version of the IDLT uses a MySQL database containing all of the information for each term in separate fields: semantic study, nomenclatures, links, commentary... This system combines the functions that were previously divided between the database and the HTML files. Such an approach has numerous advantages that facilitate the management of the entire system: there is no longer any risk of duplicate data, and most of all, there is a complete logical separation between content and presentation. This feature makes it possible to have:
The consultation interface is written in PHP, and the search interfaces in Perl. The system now runs on an Apache GNU/Linux server. Thus, all of the software technology used is Open Source, under the GNU General Public License (GPL). The conversion from the original database and the HTML files was done automatically, using a Perl script written especially for this purpose. This has allowed contributors to continue to write and edit their texts in the old format while the conversion is taking place.
When completed, the IDLT will have, in addition to the consultation interface which is already in place (though still undergoing development):
The future interface, which we are currently developing (see the weblog), will be based entirely on Perl, using the mod_perl extension to the Apache server.
Please note that the codes used to access articles in the IDLT are subject to change over the course of the restructuration. Please do not link to individual articles at this time. Once the transition to the new database is complete and tested, the codes will be permanent and it will be possible to create links once again.