Can [tag:select] be used for selecting purposes but not from a database?

Question

Can select tag be used for selecting purposes but not from a database?

When I check the user guidance of the select tag, it says:

The selection of data from a database based on some criteria.

If yes, I will request editing the description (maybe I will do it :)).

If no, which one shall I use instead: select-by-attribute, select-by-location, select-by-expression?

Here is an example: Selecting random points from feature class. It is about a random selection from the attribute table, not a database.

Answer 1

I would say that select could be used for selecting any data in a GIS. A feature class is often in a database (file, personal, enterprise, mobile). There really is no difference to selecting data from a shapefile, or a non-spatial table (with the exception of selecting by location).

I would say this is an acceptable use of the select tag.

I would support you editing the tag to include other uses.