Using Search Commands in Dialog
BEGIN
There are several basic commands to search most Dialog databases using the Classic Dialog interface. The first one is the BEGIN command which I will use to enter the database(s) of my choice. Take a look at an example of the BEGIN command below.
| Command | Example | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| BEGIN B |
begin 155 b 155 b155,72 b medicine |
Use BEGIN with a file number to specify the database(s) to be searched. |
In Lesson 1 we looked at the description of MEDLINE (File 155) database. It appears to have the kind of information we need for this topic.
At the question mark prompt, I type in the BEGIN command (abbreviated B) and the database number. I then press the ENTER key to execute the search.
Enter an option number to view information or to
connect to an online service. Enter a BEGIN command
plus a file number to search a database
(e.g., B1 for ERIC).
?b 155
File 155:MEDLINE(R) 1966-1999/Jul W5
(c) format only 1999 Dialog Corporation
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