DDSA Tamil Lexicon 3.0

The Tamil lexicon app is a product of the Digital South Asia Library program at the University of Chicago. It provides access to the University of Madras's "Tamil lexicon" produced between 1924-1936.

This application offers online and offline functionality. While the online version connects to a server at the University of Chicago, the offline version utilizes a locally stored database upon installation.

Upon initiation, the app defaults to online mode, granting users the ability to perform both headword and fulltext searches. Searching by headword involves entering at least three characters to prompt search suggestions that extend beyond the input. Users can also expand searches from the front by using the "%" character.

For fulltext searches, users can select the "Fulltext" search scope, enabling multiword search capability with boolean operators like "NOT" and "OR." Substring matching can be executed by defining search options, providing flexibility in refining search results.

Search outcomes display in a numbered format detailing Tamil headwords, their transliterations, and sections of definitions. For a comprehensive definition, users can tap on a specific headword.

In online mode, additional features permit users to access full page context and navigate through dictionary pages. Switching between online and offline modes is easily achievable through a toggle at the top of the interface.

It is worth noting that the app verifies internet connectivity at startup and defaults to online mode. Users are advised to select the desired mode before proceeding with any searches.