X:ID is an XML-based identification and diagnostic key software system. It allows users to create their own web-based diagnostic or identification keys and run them over locally or over the web. The XML-based format is combined with the eXtensible Style Sheet Transformation (XSLT) markup to allow developers to tailor the look of their keys.

X:ID stores and reads ASCII format files that are converted to the XID DTD by the key player. X:ID can play Lucid keys saved in the Lucid Interchange Format. This is an export option for the Lucid Builder.

The X:ID system is composed of a Editor and a Browser. The Editor is used to create and edit keys. The Browser is used to run them. X:ID is based on Open Source software. The main components are written in PHP compiled with the GD graphics library and the XSLT processor, Sablotron.

Current development efforts for summer 2004 include standalone versions running under various flavors of MS Windows (2000,XP) with Apache or IIS. We will also be changing the current XML data types to be compliant with the TDWG SDD (Taxonomic Databases Working Group: Structure of Descriptive Data). SDD development issues are being covered on the SDD TWiki. Other development issues are discussed on our own forum. Lastly, we will be testing a version for Windows-based, hand-held PCs.

Links
Go to Getting Started with the Editor
X:ID Browser
Getting Started with the Browser
X:ID Editor
Key to Aquatic Plants
Key to Benthic Dinoflagellates
Key to the Atlantic Tunas
Key to some Trawl-Caught Fishes

Downloads of version 0.66 (7/22/2004). X:ID is still under development.

0.66 source PHP files (gzip)(zip)
Apache 2.0.49 + PHP 4.3.6 bundle (zip)
SDD development version (web version only)
Windows readme.txt
Linux Linux readme.txt
Mac readme.txt

Software downloadable from this site is copyright (c) 2004 by the MBL/WHOI Library and licensed under the Academic Free License version 1.2.

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