dse > Charset - an arbitrarily ordered numerical mapping of
dse > a collection of conventionalized symbols usefull in
dse > written comunication.
How about changing it slightly like this:
Charset - an algorithm for converting between octet
streams and sequences of symbols useful in written
communication.
"arbitrary" reflects the fact that the codes may not be usefully ordered for
collation or translation to other Charsets or any other particular purpose.
"octet streams" is an overspecification.
"conventionalized" was intended to refer to the fact that conventional, not
specific glyphs are the focus (ie, "4" in the abstract, not any particular
calligraphic rendering of it).
I framed this definition from the viewpoint of what exists in the world *now*,
on the various platforms I deal with habitually (Postscript & Macintosh) not
what I *wish* would exist.
--
dana s emery <de19(_at_)umail(_dot_)umd(_dot_)edu>