Access
- Access & Compatibility
- Cost
- Internet
- Skills Required
Flexibility
- Script Support
- Language Support
- Customizability
- Multi-User Support
Data & Compatibility
- Software Compatibility
- Import
- Export
Access
1. Access & Compatibility
DAB is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS and can be downloaded from the DAB website.
Java and Android development kits must be installed to use DAB to create Android apps. Details can for creating Android apps can be found in this document. Apps for iOS can only be developed on macOS and require Xcode and Transported to be installed. Details for creating iOS apps can be found in this document.
This tool can be used with lexicon data exported from SIL Lexicography tools FLEx, WeSay or Lexique Pro.
2. Cost
This tool is free. However, SIL International encourages donations.
3. Internet
Internet access is required to download the DAB software, use the software, and publish the app. After an app has been built, settings can be set to allow users to use the app offline.
Apps created with DAB can be distributed and used either online or offline.
4. Skills Required
DAB requires intermediate computer skills to use. The documentation from SIL has detailed, step-by-step instructions to help users create an app using DAB. It may be possible for users with less advanced computers skills to use DAB, but troubleshooting may be difficult.
Using DAB requires a complete lexicon from FLEx, WeSay or Lexique Pro, for which additional skills are needed.
Flexibility
5. Script Support
DAB can read both Roman and non-Roman scripts, with either left-to-right or right-to-left directionality. DAB uses a script system called Graphite to display complex fonts.
6. Language Support
The software interface is only available in English. SIL is currently working to make the interface available in French.
The app interface language can be translated and localized. However, details about which languages are available for translation and how the app can be localized are not available in the documentation and guides.
7. Customizability
The software allows users to select an icon for the app (which will show on the store and mobile phones), name the app, add pictures and audio, change fonts, add a background image, and choose colours for the menu items as well as individual entries, such as labels for entry types.
8. Multi-User Support
DAB does not have any built in support for multiple users to collaboratively compile a single lexicon. Since DAB is designed to create an app from a completed lexicon, and is not designed for lexicon editing or compilation, no multi-user support is to be expected.
Once an app has been created it can be shared with multiple users.
Data & Compatibility
9. Software Compatibility
DAB only accepts data imported from SIL programs FLEx, WeSay, and Lexique Pro. Entries cannot be added directly into DAB or imported from common word processing programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. More details are outlined in the Import section below.
10. Import
Lexicon files can be imported as LIFT or XHTML files from the SIL programs FLEx, WeSay, and Lexique Pro.
Images can be imported in JPEG or PNG file formats. Audio can be imported as MP3, WAV, or 3GP file formats.
11. Export
The final product of DAB is a mobile app. It can be distributed online through the Apple App Store, Google Play, a user’s personal or organizational website, or via Dropbox. Offline distribution is available through memory cards, Bluetooth, or a Wi-Fi media box.