Methodology for comparative selection of interactive database interface types

On-line database applications are becoming the most common new software tasks. Their use is becoming increasingly popular in all areas of information management. In many environments these on-line applications are made available to a large, diverse user population. The majority of these users do not have training in database or software areas. For this reason, the interface between the user and the database is vital. It serves to protect the integrity of the database by governing user access and it provides an understandable medium through which the untrained user can obtain or update the desired data.The appropriateness of the interface can affect the success or failure of the database application. The wrong type of interface can result in inefficient data access and a reluctance on the part of users to utilize the tool. Most interactive database interfaces fall into two general categories, menu-driven or command- driven. These two interface types are dissimilar in appearance, usage, and often in performance. This article will provide a set of generalized criteria to assist the database manager or designer in selecting which interface type is better suited for a given application. The same criteria can also be used by managers in selecting a commercial database product for purchase. Factors such as the logical structure of the data, characteristics of the user community, and cost are considered. A worksheet is provided to allow for a quantitative analysis of the criteria in order to establish a foundation for the decision-making process.