Web Pedigree Databases
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 Sample Web Database Search Page - click to enlarge |
A 'web pedigree database' - also known as a 'web pedigree generator' is a program that runs on a web server that enables pedigrees to be generated upon command from a database stored on the server.
Typically a visitor to the site searches the database for the name of an animal using a keyword search. A list of matching dogs/cats/etc is shown and the visitor clicks one to display its pedigree. The pedigree can contain a photo and links to the pedigrees of its ancestors. Trial matings can then be generated by clicking a link and then selecting an opposing parent from a list. Contrast this with more traditional 'static' HTML pedigrees that are simply fixed pages. Static HTML pedigrees still have their place and are often better suited when you only need to place a few pedigrees on the site and you don't need the 'database' functionality. But for large numbers of pedigrees a web pedigree database is both more powerful, occupies less web space and is easier to update.
There are several web pedigree database systems available but the best and most widely used is by Alfirin Technologies (www.alfirin.net/pedigree-central). And its free. You'll need to setup some perl CGI scripts on your web server - don't be put off if that sounds hard because the Alfirin package includes fairly detailed setup instructions.
Click here to see examples of real web sites that use the Alfirin system using data files generated by Breeders Assistant.
Click here to see a sample search screen from a web pedigree database - the Akita Health Registry.
To generate pedigrees the Alfirin system needs various data files:
.dbw/.ixw files - these contain the main details of the animals(.dbw) and an index(.ixw).
Optionally, .brw/.bxw files - these contain details of breedings and need to be provided if you want to include breeding information on the site.
Optionally, a .kxw file - this contains a keyword index and is needed to provide fast keyword searching.
Breeders Assistant can generate all of these files, directly from your database. Once you've setup the Alfirin software on your web site, updating the database is straightforward - just recreate the data files using BA and then upload them to your site. Thats it!
Advanced users will be pleased to know that BA has many options for generating the web database files, including:
Use of tagging and search facilities to only include a subset of animals in the database.
Optionally generate the .brw/.bxw files.
Optionally generate the keyword index .kxw file.
Target both Windows and Unix web server platforms.
Directly control the fields that are output - e.g. to include inbreeding, photos etc.
See Also:
