We want to build a hypertext encyclopedia, and are trying to figure out the best way of doing this. What we really want is some kind of compound document, that allows for pictures, sound, movies, and hypertext links to other parts of the document. We need to be able to show equations in the text, too (the encyclopedia concerns scientific subjects, so equations need to be handled nicely). A decent word processor is part way there - we can put in picutres, but don't have hypertext. Framemaker is closer - tha
t can do hypertext. Hypercard doesn't handle equations, is a more general tool than we really need, and is pretty awkward when it comes to hypertext. Would something like Guide be better suited for our purposes?
Some additional constraints:
Other programs must be able to cause encyclopedia entries to be displayed. This could be done either by having an apple event cause the encyclopedia to put up a window, or by the encyclopedia returning the composite document and letting the application display it.
We have to be able to control the look of whatever displays the encyclopedia. This is part of a larger project, and we are trying to give everything a reasonably unified interface.
We need to be able to get at encyclopedia entries by direct reference (e.g. section 1.2.4), via graphical navigation, and via searches (ideally context searches with boolean expressions).
Ideally the software free or cheap. This is going to be in schools, and we want to keep costs down. However, if there is something that is just what we need, then we would use it.
If we were going to make this from scratch (and we will, if necessary), then I would set up the encyclopedia as a kind of database server that has no interface itself, but just provides information on request to other programs. The visual interface could be a separate program, or could be coded into HyperCard or whatever program you are writing. The encyclopedia contents would be entered into files via a program that looks like a word processor, but with a couple extra features to allow for hypertext links
