Manoeuvring multi-dimensional language data : a code shuttle with XML and database-operation functions

Abstract

The article focuses on the conversion of linguistic data between an XML data cube and a three-dimensional array structure in Visual Basic 6 in order to eventually facilitate data access and manipulation. After a short consideration of the structures of the VB6 and XML databanks, conversion between the two is discussed (“round-tripping”), as well as essential database functions (create, read, update and delete) that may be performed on the linguistic data cube. The suggested software tool, therefore, acts as a “code shuttle” (a programme that moves data to and from two different storage structures) with added elementary database functionalities. Linguistic data from the Hebrew text of Genesis 1:1-2:3 is used to demonstrate the data operations