Declarations

Declarations are formal statements that assert facts, intentions, rights, or policies. Issued by individuals, organizations, or governments, they communicate positions, establish status, or guide conduct. Declarations are usually written but can be spoken and later recorded. Their effect depends on the authority behind them and the context in which they are made.

In law and politics, a declaration can be an official instrument or a statement of intent. Historic examples include declarations of independence and declarations of human rights. In daily practice, declarations may accompany contracts or deeds to clarify terms, certify facts, or declare ownership. Customs declarations report goods for border control and taxation.

In software development, a declaration introduces the existence and type of an identifier without implementing it. It tells the compiler about variables, functions, or types. Declarations may be explicit (for example, "int x;" or "extern int y;" in C) or implicit in higher‑level languages. Definitions provide the implementation and may allocate resources.

Other uses include tax declarations, where individuals or businesses report income, and financial declarations that disclose assets or liabilities under regulation. Declarations can be ceremonial, symbolic, or procedural and may carry legal weight depending on authority and enforceability.

Overall, declarations formalize statements of fact, intention, or entitlement and create a record that guides subsequent action in law, government, or technology.