5 
with data 
the selec 
system from the DDTs and the user may refer to data by name 
only. 
Search is performed either sequentially for sequential 
files or, for indexed sequential files, the search may be 
sequential through the entire file or by index if the file 
key is a necessary selection criterion. Search order 
under the control of the user. 
A query search may involve multiple files 
from a record selected in one file being used 
tion criteria for another file. 
Data records selected during 
for output on any fields as key. 
Output capability ranges from 
is a tabular arrangement of fields 
to complex reports whose exact specifications are provided 
by the user. The simple list is invoked with minimum lan¬ 
guage . Specification of a complex report format requires 
language analogous to a report program generator. 
Multiple reports can be produced from a single proce¬ 
dure by creating hold files and processing each in a 
separate sub-procedure to produce the report.--Harriet R. 
Meadow. 
search may be sorted 
simple list output, which 
formatted by the system , 
"TAXIR" REVISITED 
(The following statement concerning TAXIR was prepared 
by two of the original designers of the system to correct what 
they felt might be erroneous impressions which could be derived 
from the discussion of the system in our continuing "Information 
Systems Survey," by Harriet Meadow -- MUDPIE # 14, p. 3.--Ye ed.) 
TAXIR is a powerful, completely generalized information 
storage and retrieval system, based on a novel retrieval tec 
nique which involves direct Boolean calculations on the stor 
data rather than the traditional linear file search. This t 
nique results in significant savings in both machine storage 
space and machine execution time. The user addresses the sy 
in a high leve1 language (resembling English), which permits 
him complete control over building, updating, and querying d 
banks. 
li¬ 
ed 
ech- 
s tern 
a ta 
The input data may be presen 
fixed-field or free-field format, 
ed by the user at any time. Data 
deleted from the data bank at des 
operative life of the data bank. 
ment provides complete file maint 
Although the first pilot ver 
on a small data bank that was cor 
since been extended to handle dat 
core storage. There is no inffrin 
ted to the system in either 
and these formats may be chang- 
records may be added to or 
ired intervals throughout the 
A powerful correction state- 
enance capability. 
sion of TAXIR operated only 
e-resident, the system has 
a banks resident in auxiliary 
sic obstacle to further extend- 
