# Alan Freedman > American computer scientist and database expert (1942-) **Wikidata**: [Q117287496](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117287496) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alan-freedman ## Summary Alan Freedman is an American computer scientist and database expert born in 1942. He is recognized for his specialized work in the field of database management systems, with a particular focus on dBase. His professional identity is defined by his contributions to the theoretical and practical applications of computer science and information management. ## Biography * **Born:** December 11, 1942 * **Nationality:** American * **Gender:** Male * **Occupation:** Computer Scientist, Database Expert * **Field of Work:** dBase, Database Management Systems * **Given Name:** Alan * **Family Name:** Freedman ## Contributions Alan Freedman's professional contributions are centered in the domain of computer science, specifically within the architecture and application of data systems. * **Database Management Systems:** Freedman is identified as an expert in database management systems (DBMS). This involves the software systems used to store, retrieve, and manage data in databases. * **dBase Specialization:** His specific field of work includes dBase, a historically significant database management system and programming language. His association with this technology places him within the lineage of professionals who developed and refined early relational database software and programming environments. ## FAQs ### What is Alan Freedman's professional background? Alan Freedman is an American computer scientist and database expert. He is classified as a technology specialist and scientist who practices in the field of computer science. ### When was Alan Freedman born? Alan Freedman was born on December 11, 1942. ### What specific area of computer science does Alan Freedman specialize in? He specializes in database technologies, specifically working with dBase and broader database management systems. ### Is Alan Freedman associated with any specific library or authority records? Yes, Alan Freedman is cataloged in numerous international authority files, including the Library of Congress (n84228053), the German National Library (GND ID 13265816X), and VIAF (ID 35623062). ## Why They Matter Alan Freedman represents a critical archetype within the history of computing: the database expert. While computer scientists as a whole focus on the theoretical foundations of information and computation, professionals like Freedman who specialize in database management systems provide the structural backbone for data organization. His specific association with dBase highlights a connection to the tools that democratized data management for business and industrial applications in the late 20th century. By working in this sector, he contributed to the "industrial and service sector" applications defined by the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), helping to bridge the gap between raw computational theory and usable data systems for organizations. ## Notable For * **Database Expertise:** Recognized specifically as an expert in database management, distinguishing him from general computer scientists or computational scientists. * **dBase Work:** His professional output is explicitly linked to dBase, a seminal technology in the history of personal computing databases. * **Professional Classification:** He is formally classified under international standards for scientists and technology specialists (ISCO-08 code 2511). * **International Recognition:** His biography and work are cataloged in major global libraries and repositories, including the National Library of Israel, the National Library of Brazil, and the National Library of Poland. ## Body ### Professional Identity and Classification Alan Freedman is an American male computer scientist active in the field since 1942. In the professional taxonomy of computer science, he is classified not merely as a computer expert but specifically as a "database expert." This distinguishes his work from computational scientists, focusing instead on the structures, storage, and retrieval of information. As a computer scientist, his role is defined by the study and practice of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, applied practically within the industrial and service sectors. ### Field of Work: dBase and Database Management Freedman’s primary field of work involves **dBase** and **database management systems**. * **dBase:** This was one of the first database management systems for microcomputers, and a contributor in this field would deal with the specific query language, file structure, and programmatic logic associated with it. * **Database Management Systems (DBMS):** This broader field involves the design of systems that allow for the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of databases. Freedman's role implies a deep understanding of how these systems are designed and maintained to handle large sets of data efficiently. ### Authority Control and Global Cataloging Alan Freedman’s biography and contributions are extensively documented in global bibliographic systems. This widespread cataloging indicates a verified and significant presence in academic and professional literature. Key identifiers include: * **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n84228053 * **ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier):** 0000000081147493 * **VIAF (Virtual International Authority File):** 35623062 * **GND (German National Library):** 13265816X * **BNB Person ID (Obsolete):** FreedmanAlan1942- * **WorldCat Entities ID:** E39PCjFDGfkjpbDFDKcKMH47Dy His records are also maintained by national libraries across the globe, including: * **National Library of Israel:** 987007280620005171 * **National Library of Brazil:** 000209906 * **National Library of Latvia:** 000021944 * **National Library of Chile:** 000012559 * **National Library of Poland:** 9810590854705606 * **Libraries Australia:** 35431037 * **Canadiana Name Authority:** ncf11329305 Additionally, he holds identifiers in various academic and research repositories: * **CiNii Research ID:** 1140282266858316160 * **NACSIS Cat Author ID (Japan):** DA07963804 * **IdRef (France):** 069348952 * **NUKAT (Poland):** n2004251545 * **BIBSYS (Norway):** 90694335 * **SHARE Catalogue:** 201689 * **RERO (Switzerland):** A003261676 * **National Virtual Library of India:** 781360 * **National Thesaurus for Authors' Names (Netherlands):** 17530565X ## References 1. British National Bibliography 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. NUKAT 4. SHARE Catalogue 5. CiNii Research 6. Library of Congress Authorities 7. Catalogo of the National Library of India