Tiny Tafel
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| Tiny Tafel | |
|---|---|
| Filename extension |
.tt |
| Internet media type | text/plain |
| Developed by | Specification released by CommSoft 1986. |
| Type of format | Genealogy data matching system |
The Tiny Tafel format [tye-nee tahf-uhl][1] provides a compact way of describing the main surnames found in a family genealogy, which can be read by humans and matched by computers using a Tafel Matching System.[2] The Tiny Tafel lists the Soundex encoded representation of each surname (to allow for matching surnames with spelling variations), accompanied by a corresponding range of dates and locations associated with the surname.[3] Many genealogy programs can produce Tiny Tafel reports. Tiny Tafels were traditionally posted to public forums, such as a BBS (Bulletin Board System)[4][5] and are still regularly used today with a number of internet sites that provide a Tafel Matching System, in order to indicate whether two genealogical databases have a probable connection or overlap.
Paul Andereck, former editor of Genealogical Computing magazine, proposed the idea and the specification was developed by Commsoft in 1986.[6][7]