RE: nitpicky word question

["Gilger.John" <JGilger -at- acresgaming -dot- com>]

Here is what the Computer Dictionary says:

MATRIX: n. An arrangement of rows and columns used for organizing related
items, such as numbers, dots, spreadsheet cells, or circuit elements.
Matrices are used in mathematics for manipulating rectangular sets of
numbers. In computing and computer applications, matrices are used for the
similar purpose of arranging sets of data in table form, as in spreadsheets
and lookup tables. In hardware, matrices of dots are used in creating
characters on the screen as well as in print (as by dot-matrix printers). In
electronics, matrices of diodes or transistors are used to create networks
of logic circuits for such purposes as encoding, decoding, or converting
information. See also grid.

It seems to me that "table" is the correct usage for documentation since the
base definition of "matrix" is a mathematical term and the secondary
definitions are extensions used by engineers.

HTH

John Gilger
Senior Technical Writer
Acres Gaming, Inc.
702.914.5585



-----Original Message-----
From: JWood -at- ixl -dot- com [mailto:JWood -at- ixl -dot- com]
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2001 09:40 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: nitpicky word question


Hi, I am a list reader who is interested in hearing opinions on a rather
picky but relevant (I think) word differentiation issue -
what's the difference, technically speaking, between a 'table' and a
'matrix'? I have a colleague who likes to refer to everything put into
tabled format as a 'matrix'.  I, on the other hand, prefer to call a table a
table.

any quick & easy ways to identify the difference? 
thanks for your thoughts,
jenny

Jenny Wood
Technical Writer
iXL, Inc.
1930 Camden Road, Suite 2070
Charlotte, NC 28203
> office: 704.943.7033  fax: 704.943.7001
> jwood -at- ixl -dot- com

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