Common Command Language for Online Interactive Information Retrieval

Because the Common Command Language was designed primarily with the end‐user in mind, many of the now commonly accepted principles of user‐interface design were applied in its development. A terse but English‐like syntax and vocabulary were chosen, with a verb‐object structure. This was chosen in preference to a natural language because it can express an instruction briefly, clearly, and precisely, in contrast to the often verbose ambiguity of English. The benefits of the Common Command Language are discussed, as are remaining problems that will be encountered in cross‐system searching.