Formal framework for hypertext systems

Hypertext and hypertext systems are seeing a remarkably rapid growth in both use and development. The authors aim to consolidate on previous work by presenting a specification that captures the essential abstractions of hypertext systems. It is argued that this specification provides a framework for hypertext systems in that it provides explicit and unambiguous definitions of hypertext terms, an explicit environment for the presentation, comparison and evaluation of hypertext systems, and a foundation for future research and development in the field.