Incorporating String Search in a Hypertext System:User Interface and Signature File Design Issues

Hypertext systems provide an appealing mechanism forinformally browsing databases by traversing selectable links.
However, in many fact finding situations string search is an
effective complement to browsing. This paper describes the
application of the signature file method to achieve rapid and
convenient string search in small personal computer hypertext
environments. The method has been implemented in a prototype,
as well as in a commercial product. Performance data for search
times and storage space are presented from a commercial
hypertext database. User interface issues are then discussed.
Experience with the string search interface indicates that it was
used sucessfully by novice users.
(Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-448)