What is a GSP?

or "What Makes Genealogy Software Tick?"

The 4 Basic Types of programming Used in GSP's

This article is directed to those of you who may already have genealogy software programs (GSPs) but haven't a clue as to how it works and subsequently why you get frustrated because it doesn't do what you want it to; AND to those of you who don't have a program yet but would like information on them and what they can and can not do.

All GSPs use 4 sets of programming scripts:

• Flow charting
  
• Database
  
• Word processing
  
• Genealogical Data Communication for electronic exchange (GEDCOM)
  
  

Flow Charting You see this type of programming every time you look at a pedigree chart. But actually flowcharting script, which asks a question requiring a yes or no answer, is the way the program strings together the individuals on a family group sheet, ahnentafel texts, alphabetical lists, and descendancy charts. Those GSPs produced by companies whose major claim to fame was in their flow chart software (such as Banner Blue, now Broderbund - makers of FTM) do this very well. Unfortunately they also think in flow chart pictures of boxes etc. You can get a lot more information on a single pedigree chart, even 5 or 6 generation ones, by eliminating the boxes and borders.

Database Those of you who use address books are familiar with this type of programming. A database is comprised of "Records". There may be more than one set of records (Individual, Family, Source) but each record in a given set is composed of a set number of "fields" where data can be entered. Each field is given a "Name" or "Tag" that the program uses to sort and compile the records in a variety of ways. These "Tags" are also used by the program when compiling a GEDCOM.

These "Tags" are also used when creating reports, either the standard ones the program contains or ones you can create yourself. Each field contains a fixed number of characters - i.e. the number of characters entered into the field cannot exceed a certain number. This is why some names or places are too long to fit in the field. Some of the fields will accept only alpha characters while others will only accept numerical data. Some will accept both. Most fields in GSPs are either Alpha (name, location etc.) or alpha-numeric (dates). Some "date" fields will accept dates written in only one format (d,m,y) or can be set to the format desired by the user - BUT - once decided - ALL date fields will use the same format regardless of what the date is for.

Some GSPs also have additional fields that you can name and then enter data such as "Occupation" etc. But the data entry area is a fixed field - i.e., limited in number of characters that can be entered. There is need for caution in the use of these when you are importing or exporting GEDCOMs. The "tags" or names your program gives these fields may not be found in other programs so when you send a GEDCOM compiled by YOUR program to someone else, THEIR program may not recognize those "tags" and kick that information out to a listing file. The reverse is also true.

Databases can be frustrating when the data you want to enter won't fit into the area for the data. So when choosing software you have to understand that. If you have lots of long names or places in your genealogy then choose a program that will accommodate that. For example - Some GSPs have only one field to enter a name. Others have 4 data entry fields for the name. It may be that one field is Okay for you. Others may decide they need the 4 field flexibility. The same is true of place data entry. Only you can decide which you want most, which suits your needs.

Word Processor All GSPs also contain one or more variable length field which you know as the "Notes" areas. These areas use the common characters and functions, such as word wrap, found in any word processor. Some GSPs even offer spell check for these areas. All GSPs treat the notes areas as a database field however. Some programs limit the characters that can be entered but most "Note" fields are only limited by the amount of disk space you have.

There are a variety of ways that a GSP deals with data. You need to decide which capabilities you need for your purposes. No single program may meet ALL your needs but you need to be aware of the capabilities most desired in a GSP -

GEDCOM This word is the acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunications (GE-D-COM). It is a sub-program packaged with almost all GSPs. It was developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when they developed the first genealogy program ever marketed called Personal Ancestral File (PAF) back in the early 1980s. The GEDCOM compiler/retrieval sub-program is used to convert a database into an ASCii text file that can then be converted back into a database by any other GSP containing the GEDCOM sub-program. The GEDCOM program developed by the programmers of PAF is the Standard used today for all GEDCOM programs, regardless of manufacturer.

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