List of synonyms for indexing

Question

Is there such a thing anywhere as a list of common synonyms
for use when creating indexes for software help? For example, I
have just added 'Pods' to my index and am thinking of other terms
that users might search on such as 'Floating windows'.

Answer 1

I don't know of any and I suspect that part of the problem is
the specialization of different software products - each having its
own jargon. It is difficult to create a good index because what the
programmers call something usually doesn't make sense to the user
unversed in the vocabulary of the development tool. We use Visual
C++ and Microsoft Foundation Class libraries and it is sometimes
helpful to read their help and descriptions of items to pick up a
few terms. Also our software does a lot of statistical analysis of
data designed for those not so conversant in math. So, for example,
what the statisticians call a "prediction," our typical user might
think of as a "measurement." My point here is that you are unlikely
to find everything you need in one source. Your developers and
users (do you have beta testers available?) are probably your best
source.
However, I think a good index is worth the time and effort.
If only search engines had been created by librarians...
John