Convertimus

Convertimus is a modular framework and protocol for automated data format conversion and interoperability across software systems. It provides a core engine, a library of adapters, and a set of generic interfaces to translate between heterogeneous data representations, enabling pipelines to exchange information without bespoke converters.

The term reflects its aim of converting data and semantics between domains. The concept emerged from collaborative discussions among developers and researchers seeking a standardized approach to cross-system data exchange.

The architecture centers on a core conversion engine, a collection of adapters, and a transformation layer. Adapters implement read and write handlers for specific formats, while the transformation language expresses field mappings, type coercions, and unit conversions.

Key features include pluggable adapters, a configurable conversion pipeline, caching, and schema awareness. A plugin registry coordinates available adapters and transformations, while support for formats such as JSON, XML, YAML, and CSV covers many common data flows.

Since its introduction, multiple implementations have been developed by independent communities. Language bindings, example projects, and documentation describe configuring adapters, composing transformations, and validating conversion results.

Typical use cases include data integration and ETL, data migration between systems, API gateway translation, and scientific workflows where accurate unit handling and data provenance are important.

Some criticisms focus on potential performance overhead, the complexity of large transformation mappings, and the ongoing need for standards to ensure broad interoperability.