Inferring structure in semistructured data

ABSTRACT

When dealing with semistructured data such as that available on the Web, it becomes important to infer the inherent structure, both for the user (e.g., to facilitate querying) and for the system (e.g., to optimize access). In this paper, we consider the problem of identifying some underlying structure in large collections of semistructured data. Since we expect the data to be fairly irregular, this structure consists of an approximate classification of objects into a hierarchical collection of types. We propose a notion of a type hierarchy for such data, and outline a method for deriving the type hierarchy, and rules for assigning types to data elements.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design

          Nouns: Internet

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.4 MATHEMATICAL SOFTWARE
      Subjects: Algorithm design and analysis

  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.3 Communications Applications

          Nouns: Internet

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Management, Performance, Reliability, Theory, Verification