Data element
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In metadata, the term data element is an atomic unit of data that 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
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 telecommunication, 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.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
[edit] See also
- Application Discovery and Understanding
- Data element definition
- ISO/IEC 11179 metadata registry specification
- Metadata
- Representation term
- Universal Data Element Framework
[edit] External links
- Association for Enterprise Integration
- Federal XML Developer's Guide
- ISO/IEC 11179 Standards (see ISO/IEC 11179-3:2003 clause 3.3.36)