Data element
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In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that has precise meaning or precise semantics. Data elements usage can be discovered by inspection of software applications or application data files through a process of manual or automated Application Discovery and Understanding. Once data elements are discovered they can be registered in a metadata registry. In the areas of databases and data systems more generally a data element is a concept forming part of a data model. As an element of data representation, a collection of data elements forms a data structure.[1]
Properties
A data element has:
- An identification such as a data element name
- A clear data element definition
- One or more representation terms
- Optional enumerated values Code (metadata)
- A list of synonyms to data elements in other metadata registries Synonym ring
In telecommunications
In telecommunications, the term data element has the following components:
- A named unit of data that, in some contexts, is considered indivisible and in other contexts may consist of data items.
- A named identifier of each of the entities and their attributes that are represented in a database.
- A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values.
- In electronic record-keeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.
In practice
In practice, data elements (fields, columns, attributes, etc.) are sometimes "overloaded", meaning a given data element will have multiple potential meanings. While a known bad practice, overloading is nevertheless a very real factor or barrier to understanding what a system is doing.
See also
- Application Discovery and Understanding
- Data element definition
- Data dictionary
- Data hierarchy
- ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry specification
- Metadata
- Representation term
- Universal Data Element Framework
- Data collection system
References
- ↑ Beynon-Davies P. (2004). Database Systems 3rd Edition. Palgrave, Basingstoke, UK
This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Department of Defense document "Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms".
External links
- Federal XML Developer's Guide
- ISO/IEC 11179 Standards (see ISO/IEC 11179-3:2003 clause 3.3.36)
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