Is there a word that describes... 3

[Thadeus]

Hello all,
Is there a word that describes a multi part number like an IP address... meaning if n.n.n.n.n.n.n.n is the id given for a requirement doc, with each n representing a positive integer (n to infinity, except the functional extent is really a max of 2 unit places or 'nn')

So in other words, if it was a human readable notation for an IP address I was talking about, you have four (4) octets that are separated by decimal points... does the entirety have a name other than an 'address'? I would think that since the notation can exist for other purposes, that the group of digits separated by periods, ought to have some name.... but I perfectly concede that it may not.

I also feel that my description is lackluster in clarity... I apologize, I woke up an hour late this morning and haven't been myself since.

~Thadeus

 

[CajunCenturion]

I've seen the term "hierarchical" used to describe address/numbering schemes when the subdivisions within the address/ID number move from the general to the specific as read from left to right. I can't say that it's a formal term per se, but I find it very appropriate and meaningful.

Our inventory uses a hierarchical numbering scheme. Telephone numbers are hierarchical as they move from the general (area code) through the exchange to the specific number.


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[kwbMitel]

CajunCenturion - Nicely done.

I can also see how hierarchical could apply to subnet masks, Mac Addresses, Postal codes, Bar Codes, in fact any number that represents a relationship to another.

If it is not already the word for it, it should be.





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Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[Thadeus]

stumbling through same fog and writing rambling response... deleted and just wish to say, "Thank you, CC. That will do perfectly for my uses.

 

[SamBones]

Even though Thank You's and stars have been handed out, I still need to put my 2 cents in.

With respect to an IP address, the word "address" is not describing the way it's written, but what it's purpose is.

The IP address is actually a single 32 bit number. The dotted notation is just a way to make it easier for people to use it. You can still use the 32 bit value to reach a host or server. For example,

http://www.Google.com

is at 66.102.7.104. The 32 bit value for this, in decimal, is 1113982824. So, this will also get you to Google...

HTTP://1113982824

I have heard the dotted IP notation referred to as both segmented and hierarchical, since the netmask (or address class) does functionally break it into two pieces, network and host. I believe the official term for the IP notation is dotted decimal. Not an elegant single word, but accurately descriptive.

 

[CajunCenturion]

Yes, dotted-decimal is the nothing more than the name of the format that IP addresses use for convenient display of a large underlying value. However, it doesn't necessarily apply to a hierarchical numbering scheme. For example, a telephone number shown as 123.456.7890, while still hierarchical, is not using a dotted-decimal format to represent some large number.

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[kwbMitel]

SamBones - I read the original question as asking for the "family" name not the "species" as you seem to have interpreted. (Using metaphor for effect, not accuracy)

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[SamBones]

Yup, sorry if I missed the forest because I was focusing on a tree (metaphoric counter punch).

I was actually kind of agreeing with CajunCenturion with the word hierarchical. There is an implied hierarchy in the IP address.

My only concern with calling the IP address' dotted decimal notation hierarchical is that the dots don't define the hierarchy. They are mostly there for human readability. With a netmask, the division of "network" and "host" bits can occur anywhere, even somewhere between the dots.

And, apologies if I'm responding at the wrong level. I'm an alpha geek in IT and I get paid to sweat the lowest level of detail. I realize this is not the type of response appropriate for this forum.

I'll shut up now.

 

[CajunCenturion]

==> My only concern with calling the IP address' dotted decimal notation hierarchical is that the dots don't define the hierarchy.
That's a valid concern. Dotted decimal and hierarchical are two entirely different things. Dotted decimal is a display format while a hierarchy is a structure.

==> And, apologies if I'm responding at the wrong level. I'm an alpha geek in IT and I get paid to sweat the lowest level of detail. I realize this is not the type of response appropriate for this forum.
No apologies necessary, and you are by no means the only alpha geek in IT in this group. Please feel free to pay attention to the lowest level of detail. Pedants are welcome here.

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[KenCunningham]

I've given Sam a star for his 32 bit explanation, something I wasn't aware of not being an alpha geek (nice term btw!).

The internet - allowing those who don't know what they're talking about to have their say.

 

[carp]

Quadtriplets?

 

[gaylec54]

I've heard IP addresses referred to as a "dotted quad", since there are four sections of numbers -- similar to the "dotted decimal" moniker previously mentioned.

 

[BillyRayPreachersSon]

While not specific to IP addresses, there is also ISO 2145 (see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_2145)

that describes the "numbering of divisions and subdivisions in written documents".

E.g:

A table of contents might look like:
0 Foreword
1 Introduction
2 Methodology
2.1 Counting techniques
2.1.1 Manual procedures
2.1.1.1 Counting apples
2.1.1.2 Counting oranges
2.1.2 Automatic methods
2.2 Quality control
3 Results
4 Related work
4.1 Bean counting
4.2 Sheep counting
5 Conclusions

Dan



Coedit Limited - Delivering standards compliant, accessible web solutions

Dan's Page [blue]@[/blue] Code Couch:

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The Out Atheism Campaign

 

[kwbMitel]

Digging thru the reference from BillyRay I came across reference to a "Canonical Number". That being said a Canonical Number is described as "the canonical way to organize a file system is as a hierarchy" which leads us back to Hierarchical.

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[CajunCenturion]

Canonical simply means conforming to the recognized standards or rules. In other words, adhering to the canons, where the canons are the rules.

A canonical number by itself means nothing. It's only when put it in a context where rules and standards apply can you apply meaning to canonical number. The subject of canonical numbering systems is outside the scope of this forum.

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[kwbMitel]

Canonical in and of itself is too general for this thread (not forum). Canonical Numbering is not too general. It's definition specifically used Mac Addressing as an example of Canonical Numbering. I added it as a curiousity. Not a serious suggestion, I still prefer Heirarchical.

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[CajunCenturion]

==> It's definition specifically used Mac Addressing as an example of Canonical Numbering.
As I said, it's only when put it in a context where rules and standards apply that can you apply meaning to canonical number. The definition of a canonical number as a mac addressing only applies in the context of network adapter addresses.

==> Canonical in and of itself is too general for this thread (not forum). Canonical Numbering is not too general.
Perhaps you'll be so kind as to enlighten all of us as what "canonical numbering system" actually means.

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[kwbMitel]

I can only refer you to Wiki where I got my info. Yes I know, not the most reliable source but this particular page has quite a few reference links that in my opinion add credibility.

Specifically on the page under Conputer Science.
Mathematical and Physics examples are also meaningful (And on topic)

Please remember this is only added as a curiousity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonical

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.

 

[CajunCenturion]

I find that page underscores what I said.

A canonical number by itself means nothing. It's only when put it in a context where rules and standards apply can you apply meaning to canonical number.

That page is full of examples where the term "canonical number" means different things in different contexts, but provides no definition outside of a context.

==> Canonical in and of itself is too general for this thread (not forum).
Canonical in and of itself is NOT too general for this thread, or any thread for that matter, because it will always be germane the context of the current thread.

What I said was that the subject "canonical numbering systems" was outside the scope of this forum. That wiki page does not tell you about canonical numbering systems. Perhaps you can find a wiki page on "canonical numbering systems" (not just on the term canonical - but the full term canonical numbering systems) and once you have a handle on that, we can discuss further.

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Good Luck
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[kwbMitel]

CC - For the third time, I simply offered Canonical as a curiousity. I had never heard the term before and I could see how it could apply. I still prefer Heirarchical (also 3rd time)

I'm not going to defend something that I myself do not believe in. Your objections are noted but unnecessary in my opinion.

All that being said, I am having difficulty understanding how any discussion regarding "The words we use and how we use them" could possibly be "Outside the scope of this forum". This is why I changed the word Forum, to Thread in my response. Then you disagreed with even that. Have you had your coffee yet?

*******************************************************
Occam's Razor - All things being equal, the simplest solution is the right one.