Re: Sorting Algorythms

["Bill Buckels" <bbuckels@mts.net>]

<gids.rs@sasktel.net> wrote:

> What I would like to know is there any programs out there other than the 
> usual talked about ones or one they may have created themselves?

http://www.filegate.net/pdn/pdncee/Metasim.zip

MetaSim(C) Version 1.2
(C) CopyLeft 2000 Bill Buckels 2000.
All Rights Reversed.

Metaphone Algorithm Created by Lawrence Philips.
Converted to C by Michael J. Kuhn.

Lawrence Philips' Metaphone Algorithm (used by MetaSim) is an algorithm 
which returns the rough approximation of how an English word sounds.

Filter to host Metaphone Algorithm by Bill Buckels
Similarity Sort Key Creation Algorithm by Bill Buckels

Introduction
------------

MetaSim is a sort filter which attempts to group phrases of a similar nature 
together. Since it is a commandline utility, MetaSim users are assumed to be 
fairly "Dos Savvy", and should know about filters and redirecting to files, 
and things of that nature.

Typical uses for MetaSim may include grouping of similar phrases (like 
taglines) together in a "topical" way. Since MetaSim offers 4 variations for 
this grouping and a configurable sort adjustment by means of an external 
dictionary file, it may work better than a conventional sort if similarity 
and "sound-alike" is more important than alphabetical order.


Summary
-------

Purpose:

Metaphone Filter with Similarity Sort
Input from stdin, stream, file, or command line.
Output to stdout, stream, file.

Usage(s):

metasim
metasim [infile.lst]
metasim [infile.lst] [outfile.lst]
metasim [phrase1] [phrase2] [phrase3] ...
metasim < [infile.lst]
type [infile.lst] | metasim > [outfile.lst]

Switches:

metasim -rsvd [infile.lst] ...
r - reverse equivalent comparison rather than natural.
s - sort internally and trim key from output.
v - verbose sort key rather than Metaphone key.
d - debug output (use internal sort but don't strip keys).

Note: Add the -ds switch when you want to see the RAW key that was used for 
the internal sort that you have chosen. Possible combinations of switches 
for this purpose are:

-ds
-drs
-drsv
-dsv

Internal Sort
-------------

The Internal Sort will handle files up to about 2900 lines. Don't sort on a 
floppy since an external temporary sort file approx the same size as the 
original input is created during operation.

Program Details
---------------

Description
-----------

METASIM is a Filter-program for MS-DOS to host Similarity Sort Key Creation 
With or Without the Metaphone Algorithm.

A Similarity Sort Key is Created With Metaphone Switch Setting "None" (this 
is the default) or *optionally* A Similarity Sort Key is Created Without 
Metaphone, Switch Setting -v (Verbatim).

Also *optionally* An Unordered Similarity Sort Key Is Created Switch Setting 
"None" (this is the default) or *optionally* An Ordered Similarity Sort Key 
is Created for reverse equivalent for phrase comparison Switch Setting -r 
(Reverse).

Also *optionally* The Sort Key Precedes The Output so an External Sort Can 
Be Used... Switch Setting "None" (this is the default) or *optionally* Sorts 
Short Lists (approx. 2900 entries), using an Internal Sorting Algorithm 
without the need for an external sort, and without the need for external 
cleanup (lchop). Switch Setting -s (Sort)

Input from stdout, stream, file, or command line, or redirect from file.

Output to stdout, stream, file, or pipe through other filters, or redirect 
to file.

Based On Metaphone Algorithm Created by Lawrence Philips. Metaphone 
presented in article in "Computer Language" December 1990.

Converted from Pick BASIC, as demonstrated in article, to C by Michael J. 
Kuhn (Baltimore, Maryland)

Massage for Similiarity Sort added by Bill Buckels.

History
-------

Date Written July 2000

Revision 1.1 First Release
Basic Version To the Fidonet C_ECHO
- Metaphone Sort Key Only
- Reverse Equivalent Sort Key Only
- Internal Dictionary HardCoded

Revision 1.2 Second Release August 2000
Added Options
- Internal Sort or External Sort
- Reverse Equivalent or Natural Order Key
- Verbatim or Metaphone Sort
Externalized Dictionary
- Allow Synonyms
- Allow Word Removal From Sort Key
- Allow Prefixes
- Allow Suffixes
- Permits Other Languages Besides English

Written in Large Model Microsoft C Version 6.00a