Enumettede

Enumettede is a concept in data modeling and knowledge representation that describes an enumerated collection of values in which each value carries associated metadata. The term is used primarily in theoretical discussions of expressive schemas and in experimental tooling that seeks to embed richer semantics within enumerations. In formal terms, an enumettede consists of a finite set E of values, a metadata mapping M that assigns to each value a record of properties, and a transformation function f that links the values to their metadata entries when emitted or validated.

Applications include configuration schemas, API type definitions, and ontology design, where the explicit association of descriptive attributes with discrete categories improves validation, searchability, and interoperability. For example, a color enumettede might define values such as "red" and "green" with metadata records including hex codes, human-readable labels, and RGB components.

Advantages include increased semantic richness, better consistency checks, and easier downstream processing, while limitations involve added complexity, potential fragmentation across systems, and the lack of universal language support in mainstream programming environments.

Enumettede remains primarily a conceptual tool rather than a standardized data type. It is most commonly discussed in academic and experimental tooling contexts, where designers are evaluating whether the added metadata per enum value yields practical benefits in specific domains.

See also: Enumerated type, Metadata, Data modeling, Ontology, Semantic data.