Dictionary

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In the context of stenography, a dictionary is a file that contains mappings of outlines to translations.

When the stenographer sends a stroke through a computer-connected keyboard to translation software such as Plover, the software uses the dictionary as a lookup table to return the translation as output.

Dictionaries are customizable and highly personalized. No two stenographers, even those who begin with the same dictionary, have an identical dictionary.

There are various file types, or dictionary formats used to store dictionaries. In Plover, the default file type is .json.

Dictionary creation

Creation of dictionaries is typically based upon a theory which dictates the rules of what outlines will correspond to what translations.

Generally speaking, upon acquisition of theory learning materials, a base dictionary is also distributed. In the case of free theories such as Plover theory or Lapwing theory, the dictionary is also available freely. This allows the new stenographer to start translating right away by using existing entered entries without having to implement theory rules themselves.

Programmatically generated dictionaries are being explored by Plover community members through tools such as Froj and Quartz.

Dictionary behavior

How dictionaries lookup from top to bottom

How dictionaries deal with edge problems

Dictionary organization/stack/separation