Node (computer science)

A node ( engl. node) in a hypertext is a central element of the atomization of knowledge units ( chunks of knowledge ). Nodes form the start and end points of the logical connections that are made through hyperlinks ( reference node concept).

The nodes of the hypertext can textual elements (eg, texts, text excerpts; hypertext in the narrower sense ) are formed ( hypermedia in the narrower sense) or multimedia objects; in the latter is to further distinguish between asynchronous elements (sound, video ) and static ( graphics, images ) and dynamic objects ( ie those whose exact configuration at the time of creating the hypertext was not yet known exactly ).

A single (isolated ) node should be coherent in itself ( atomized knowledge). The coherence of the whole hypertext (semantic cohesion ) is caused by consistent references (links), by meta-information as well as a specific hypertext suitable writing the texts, for example, by avoiding anaphora and deixis. Here, the author of the hypertext - as opposed to a linear text - do not ensure consistency, but also support its emergence in the readers Only best.

" Coherence in hypertext is thus largely the user a meaningful achievement."

If it is possible neither to the hypertext author to provide sufficient tools to enable consistency, nor the reader, this the (Internet) surfing ( browsing) from the hypertext " herauszulesen ", the phenomenon of lost in hyperspace (see Serendipity ) occurs.