Clarification about multiple source dictionary instructions

[Daloun]

Hi to everyone, I'm new to all this, but very interested in making dictionaries despite the fact I have little computer experience.

I have a few questions about setting up a multiple source dictionary as described here http://dictionarymid.sourceforge.net/newdictMultiple.html

I've managed to get the ABC>XYZ>ABC dictionary working, but what I really want is the ABC>XYZ XYZ>DEF one. So far, I'm struggling badly trying to follow the instructions.

1. How do I generate the second input dictionary file? I already have one named 'Dictionary_input' with my language1>language2 word list, but how do I get the other? Do I just create a new text file and save it in the 'Dict' folder alongside the other one, then write my second word list there? What would I name that file if the first one is already called 'Dictionary_input'?

2. I'm having great trouble understanding Step 2. Which properties file is the 'ouputted' one? At that point I end up with 3 properties files. One in the 'DictionaryEngGer' folder following the example, one in the 'Dictionary' folder and one in the 'Dict' folder.

3. Which is the 'final' DictionaryForMIDs.properties file?

4. In the very last instruction before Step 3 where it says 'copy one line into the DictionaryForMIDs.properties file'. Which lines are copied from where to where exactly? I can't make sense of it for some reason or another.

5. What does running the JarCreator tool entail? Does it just mean clicking on the setup file in the 'Dict' folder? I know it's in the tools folder, but clicking on it doesn't seem to do anything.

I apologise for all the lengthy questions, but I've been trying for 2 days to make this work and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I can make the simpler dictionary, but this one is too hard! As you can tell I know nothing about programming, I'm just a language enthusiast. In case you're interested I'm trying to write an English/Scots Scots/English dictionary. Scots is a Germanic language related to, but different than English, not to be confused with Scots Gaelic.

Thanks in advance, all help is appreciated.

Derek.

[dreamingsky]

Sorry, setting up this kind of dictionary is pretty tricky.  You won't be able to use the automated script "setup.bat".  You'll have to build it manually.

1. I already have one named 'Dictionary_input' with my language1>language2 word list, but how do I get the other? Do I just create a new text file and save it in the 'Dict' folder alongside the other one, then write my second word list there? What would I name that file if the first one is already called 'Dictionary_input'?

Make another text file with language2>langauge1 and save it as Dictionary_input.txt in a different directory than the other file.

You'll have to build the first half of the dictionary with the first Dictionary_input.txt.  Then move that Dictionary_input.txt to another directory and move the 2nd Dictionary_input.txt to the Dict folder and build the 2nd half of the dictionary.

2. I'm having great trouble understanding Step 2. Which properties file is the 'outputted' one? At that point I end up with 3 properties files. One in the 'DictionaryEngGer' folder following the example, one in the 'Dictionary' folder and one in the 'Dict' folder.

The 'outputted' one is the in the Dict\Dictionary directory. Actually you will have 4 properties files:
1. input for 1st half [Dict\]
2. temporary output file for 1st half [Dict\Dictionary]
3. input for 2nd half [Dict\]
4. completed output file [Dict\Dictionary]

3. Which is the 'final' DictionaryForMIDs.properties file?

It is #4 in the previous example.  It is the file for when you've built both halves of the dictionary.

4. In the very last instruction before Step 3 where it says 'copy one line into the DictionaryForMIDs.properties file'. Which lines are copied from where to where exactly? I can't make sense of it for some reason or another.

You will copy info from "2. temporary output file for 1st half [Dict\Dictionary]" to "4. completed output file [Dict\Dictionary]".

5. What does running the JarCreator tool entail? Does it just mean clicking on the setup file in the 'Dict' folder? I know it's in the tools folder, but clicking on it doesn't seem to do anything.

Sorry, you won't be able to use the setup.bat file.  You'll need to run JARCreator manually.  JARCreator puts all the dictionary files into one file that can be run as a program.


Sorry, but you'll have to have a good understanding of old-school work in Command Prompt to do this.  Open setup.bat in Microsoft Word and you will see the commands to build a dictionary.

Step 1 (build dictionary):
java -jar ..\DictionaryGeneration.jar Dictionary_input.txt dictionary .

Step 2 (put all files together):
java -jar ..\JarCreator.jar dictionary .. JAR

You'll need to go Start Menu -> Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt and then run the tools manually.

Honestly, if I were you, I'd just make 2 separate dictionaries.
1. Lang1 -> Lang2
2. Lang2 -> Lang1

Doing it this way will allow you to use the setup.bat file.  Sorry I don't have better news.

[dreamingsky]

I just looked at the instructions page again:
http://dictionarymid.sourceforge.net/newdictMultiple.html

I realized I wrote those instructions before I released the setup.bat automated script.  Before we used to build all dictionaries manually.

Looks like I need to update the instructions page to make it clear that multiple input dictionaries will require manually building.

I'm really sorry for the hassle.

[Daloun]

Hi, thanks a lot for your detailed explanation. It has turned out more complicated than I thought it was going to be, so I think you're right and that I should just build two seperate dictionaries. Or, if I'm feeling inspired, I'll play around with command prompt for a few days and see what happens 

[Daloun]

In saying that, I'm still really frustrated. I really wanted to make this kind of dictionary If anyone is prepared to make a step by step guide for mere mortals like myself, I'd be very grateful. I don't particulary want to understand how it works, I'm just looking for a walkthrough to make it work. Does anyone know of a guide for using command prompt? I really need each step explained out to the letter.