DAtype

DAtype is a hypothetical data type used in discussions of programming languages and data modeling to illustrate how a parameterizable value container might behave. In this context, DAtype represents a value alongside its domain and optional constraints, with a uniform interface for construction, inspection, validation, and conversion.

Typically DAtype is parameterizable by a base type, written DAtype<T>, where T denotes the value domain. Instances hold a value of type T, subject to declared constraints (such as range, non-null, or custom predicates). The type can be mutable or immutable, depending on the design.

Values of DAtype are compared by their contained value (value semantics) unless otherwise specified. DAtype supports serialization to standard encodings (string, JSON, binary) and deserialization, with validation during round-trips. The type participates in type inference and generic typing in a language that supports parametric polymorphism.

Usage of DAtype can model primitive- or composite-valued fields in schemas, APIs, and databases. It provides a common abstraction for wrapping primitive values with domain rules (for example, a DAtype<int> constrained to 0..100). This makes it useful for enforcing invariants at the type level and for improving self-documentation of APIs.

Implementation notes: In a language, DAtype may be implemented as a generic wrapper class or as a dependent type; performance, inlining, and memory layout depend on the runtime. Interoperability with other types depends on defined conversion rules.

See also: Data type, Generics, Type system, Serialization.