A SYSTEM FOR QUERY COMPREHENSION

A major difficulty of query writing is that users do not fully underst and queries. A system providing feedback is proposed so as to enable u sers to better understand their queries. It is a multi-functional rule -based system. In addition to providing an English translation for the query, it pin-points syntax errors, and suggests possible solutions. It also finds likely semantic errors, and provides possible solutions. The system was implemented for a query language based on the entity r elationship model. It is expected to lead to better user performance. Empirical testing showed significant improvement in user performance w ith the feedback system. The system can be;sed for computer-aided trai ning and in actual operations.