Egendefinerte

Egendefinerte is a Norwegian term used to describe elements that are defined or configured by the user rather than provided as part of a standard set. In IT, data management, and business processes, egendefinerte items are commonly used to indicate customization or personalization that reflects specific needs, preferences, or contexts.

In practice, egendefinerte can apply to a variety of objects. Examples include egendefinerte felt in databases or forms, which let users add fields beyond the predefined schema; egendefinerte rapporter or dashboards tailored to individual reporting requirements; and egendefinerte regler or workflows that automate processes according to local rules. In software development, the concept is often expressed as user-defined elements such as egendefinerte funksjoner (functions) or egendefinerte typer (types), enabling developers to extend functionality beyond built-in capabilities.

The use of egendefinerte elements offers flexibility and adaptability, allowing organizations to model real-world situations more accurately. However, universal standards may be sacrificed, leading to challenges in governance, interoperability, and maintenance. Effective use typically requires clear documentation, version control, validation rules, and alignment with organizational data models and security policies. Standardization of naming conventions and limits on customization can help mitigate fragmentation and ensure that egendefinerte components remain understandable and reusable across teams.

Etymology and usage notes: egendefinerte is the past participle form of the verb definere (to define) with the prefix egen (own, personal) and is used as an adjective describing user-created or customized elements. See also egendefinert (singular, non-gendered form) and related terms such as user-defined, custom fields, and personalization.