The document discusses the need for precise and concise descriptions in various contexts, proposing a structured approach using a 'table of x.' This table includes fields such as the name, attributes, operations, purpose, scope, and diagrams related to 'x.' The author encourages broader use of this method for clarity and precision in descriptions across various applications.

1. Describe ANYTHING
Briefly & Precisely
Putcha V. Narasimham
kenablersys@yahoo.com

2. Need for Describing Some X
 Arises often in
 Introductions, discussions,
documentation, modeling etc.
 We need to describe “real X” to
“model X”
 Briefly and precisely
 I propose using Table of X
incrementally---in two parts
 All fields need not be filled
Name of X
Attributes
Operations
Goal or Purpose (Why) of X
Scope of X
Diagram or Picture of X
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What is X
Who makes, uses…. X
When of X
Where of X
How of X
X in Relation with A, B , C

3. Table of X ---1
Name of X <Give a descriptive apt name>
Attributes <features, properties, dimensions>
Operations <Is it live?, animated? Autonomous? How does it act or behave>
WHY of X <Comprehensive Goal, Purpose of X if applicable>
Scope of X <limits of X, what does X include and exclude?>
Picture of X <Provide a link to diagram or picture of X>
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4. Table of X --- 2
What is X
<a thing (place, person, animal, plant, substance), or concept, or
phenomenon, act or event>, <definition, description of X, provide links
to other terms used>
Who of X <makes, uses, affects or is affected by X>
When of X <time, date, period, age>, <before, after during some to event>
Where of X <where does it exist or occur or grow or live> ,
How of X <How is it created or made or destroyed>
X in Relation
with others
<X is related to A this way:…..> <explore possible relations>
<X is a part of ……> or <X is composed of ……>
<What X is NOT or mistaken as or different from>
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5. Nothing NEW!
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 Reminds you of
 Class Definition and Class Diagram?
 Taxonomies, ontologies, concept maps, semantic web…..
 YES, they are excellent for use in OOAD and IT applications
 But they are as useful or even better for general use by anyone
 See http://www.slideshare.net/putchavn/concept-maps-knowledge-encoding.

6. Clarity and Precision
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 Yes, it is possible, simple & EASY
 Let’s all use this (want examples?)
 Tell me how you are using Table of X
and how it is helping you
 Best wishes,
START
NOW